Kenya · Spearfishing zone
Watamu Marine National Reserve
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Watamu Marine National Reserve.
Kenya Wildlife Service Marine National Reserve (WDPA 555621995) forming the multiple-use buffer around the no-take Watamu Marine National Park (gazetted 1968, Legal Notices 98 and 99; part of the Malindi-Watamu UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). In KWS marine national reserves only traditional, non-destructive fishing gear and techniques are permitted; spear guns are not a permitted method and are a nationally prohibited fishing gear (Kenya Gazette Notice No. 7565 of 9 Nov 2001), and scuba gear or spearguns may not be used to take lobster and beche-de-mer in Kenyan territorial waters (Fisheries (Prohibitions) Regulations 2003, L.N. 214/2003, reg. 2(c)). Spearfishing is therefore not lawful here.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
3.3934°S, 39.9846°E
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Kenya
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply to the licensing officer / Director of the Kenya Fisheries Service (formerly Department of Fisheries) for a sport fishing licence (Form DF/L2) or a recreational fishing permit under LN 127/2024.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · new.kenyalaw.org
