Kumbatia Seafood Leads the Way with Innovative Sustainable Fisheries Model along Africa's Swahili Coast
Kenya's Coastal Region, Abundant with Artisanal Fishers and Valuable Seafood, Faces Obstacles in Harnessing Economic Potential
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"Kumbatia Seafood Innovates Sustainable Fishing Model to Empower Kenyan Artisanal Fishers and Boost Local Economy"
Kumbatia Seafood, headquartered in Mombasa, Kenya, is revolutionizing the seafood sector by empowering artisanal fishers with resources for sustainable fishing practices while ensuring fair prices for their catch. CEO Will Gertler emphasizes the company's dual mission of promoting environmental conservation and alleviating poverty in coastal communities.
Through its pioneering approach, Kumbatia provides financing for fishers' inputs such as fuel, gear, and bait, facilitating the transition from unsustainable to legal fishing practices. The company also manages cold-chain logistics, offering ice, coolers, and rapid transport for remote fishing communities, ensuring the quality and freshness of the catch.
Fishers within Kumbatia's network receive comprehensive training on industry best practices, from handling techniques to post-harvest procedures, ensuring high-quality, traceable, and sustainable seafood. The company operates under a privatized fisheries management model in collaboration with NGOs like the Worldwide Fund for Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy, surpassing government mandates to enforce stricter regulations.
By exporting to higher-end markets like the U.S., Kumbatia aims to secure premium prices for its seafood, providing financial incentives for sustainable fishing practices. Gertler highlights the company's commitment to market-based conservation initiatives, where sustainability translates into financial rewards for fishers.
Kumbatia's success has positioned it for expansion into new fisheries across Africa, with plans to venture into Lake Victoria for Nile perch and explore opportunities in Somalia, Tanzania, and Mozambique in the near future.
Polly Legendre, Business and Operations Manager of Buena Vista Seafood, based in San Francisco, California, praises Kumbatia's commitment to quality and sustainability, emphasizing the reliability of its seafood supply chain.