Who we are?

Jesse Kiprono

Marine Research Scientist

Jesse Kiprono Kosgei is a distinguished marine scientist who serves as an Ecological Scientist at the WCS Kenya Marine Program. With over twelve years of experience in fisheries, socioeconomics, and marine ecology, Jesse leads the marine fish catch and stock assessment research components at the program. Additionally, he plays a key role as the welfare secretariat. Holding a Master’s degree in Fisheries from Pwani University, Jesse has significantly contributed to the scientific community with five co-authored peer-reviewed publications on fisheries and ecology. He has also supported numerous other peer-reviewed publications in ecology, fisheries, and social economics. His work focuses on building science-based policies and management initiatives, aiming to address the complexities of managing common-pool resources effectively.

Jillo Katelo Wato

Project Coordinator - MACP Project

Jillo Wato, is a seasoned conservation biologist with over 25 years of experience in wildlife protection, research, and community empowerment. Currently serving as the Project Coordinator for MACP at WCS Marine Program Kenya under the GCP-Africa initiative, he specializes in small-scale fisheries management. Jillo holds an MSc in Environmental Science from Pwani University, with expertise in marine and terrestrial ecology, community empowerment, and management. His career spans roles such as KWS Ranger, Research Scientist, and Director of Programs & Administration at Kivulini Trust, an NGO supporting 14 ethnic communities in Northern Kenya. He has also contributed to marine research at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and served as a KWS Board of Trustees member. A certified WIOCOMPAS PRO MPA Level 2 professional and a Trainer of Trainers in Coral Reef Resilience, Jillo has played a key role in Kenya’s Coral Reef and Seagrass Conservation Strategy. His academic contributions include research on crayfish dietary diversity and co-authoring a study on marine protected areas for top predators. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the Silver Star of Kenya (SS) by President Mwai Kibaki. Additionally, he is an accomplished scuba diver, and a dedicated conservation advocate committed to sustainable marine resource management.

Joshua Cinner

Research associate

Dr Cinner's research explores how social, economic, and cultural factors influence the ways in which people use, perceive, and govern natural resources, with a particular emphasis on using applied social science to inform coral reef management. His background is in human geography and he often works closely with ecologists to uncover complex linkages between social and ecological systems. He has worked on human dimensions of resource management in Jamaica, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, Mauritius, Seychelles, Indonesia, Mozambique, and the USA. His research has had impacts on policy and on-the-ground conservation, including: developing strategies to integrate marine science and customary taboos in Papua New Guinea; helping Kenyan fishermen's organizations (known as Beach Management Units) co-manage fisheries; and the banning of beach seine nets in Tanga, Tanzania. His recent research has been covered in the New York Times, CNN, and other major news networks and his career has been highlighted in Science (http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2010_06_18/caredit.a1000061). Josh began his work on the human dimensions of marine conservation while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Jamaica in the mid 1990s. He has since completed a Master's degree from the University of Rhode Island and a PhD from James Cook University. He is now an Associate Professor at James Cook University and holds a five-year Australian Research Fellowship from the Australian Research Council (ARC). He is based in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies.

Peter Musembi

Marine Research Scientist

Peter Musembi is a marine scientist under the Miamba Yetu: Sustainable Reef Investments programme, specializing in monitoring and evaluation, as well as providing technical support for various conservation interventions. With over a decade of experience in marine science, Peter has been actively involved in research on coral reef and seagrass meadow ecology, small-scale fisheries, and sharks and rays. Holding a BSc in Applied Aquatic Sciences from Egerton University, Peter focused on the ecology and management of inland and marine water systems. He further specialized in small-scale fisheries in seagrass meadows during his MSc in Fisheries Management at Pwani University. Beyond field research, Peter contributes to the marine program through underwater ecological monitoring and data analysis. His research interests include coral reef biodiversity, reef fish ecology, small-scale fisheries, and ecological statistics. Peter has authored and co-authored several scientific papers on coral reef ecology, sharks and rays, small-scale fisheries, and seagrass meadows.

Tim Daw

Research associate