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Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems Project

Welcome to the ASCLME Project

Over the next five years, the nine countries of the western Indian Ocean region, including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania, will work together through the Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems (ASCLME) Project.
Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem PDF Print E-mail

The SCLME lies off the northeastern margin of the African continent and includes the continental shelf areas of Yemen, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. It is a monsoon-influenced Indian Ocean ecosystem and is characterised by a tropical climate. In summer, the strong Somali Current flows in a northerly direction. In winter, it reverses its flow. The coastal waters of the SCLME are home to many diverse plants and animals that are endemic to the region. However, the environmental integrity of the Somali Current LME has been severely impacted by the effects of human population growth, intensification of land use and damaging fishing methods.

You may be interested in reading our summary of what is known of the oceanography of the region.

 

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“This is the second meeting of the Project Steering Committee and it is a valuable exercise to look back and compare this meeting with the last. In January 2008, David didn’t even have his full team, and although his plans looked good, he had yet to prove himself. Today, it is obvious that he has put together an excellent team that is performing well. And Magnus brings a new dimension to the project. He is someone with strong links to the top decision makers of the region and he is well positioned to convey to them the importance of the Project. Magnus has an excellent grasp of the policy issues and understands the importance of political buy-in.

I also believe that the “add-on” coastal sustainability study will prove to be an advantage in the long run because it will make the Project as a whole more palatable to the decision-makers.
So, yes, the project has made very good progress, and this is best reflected in the successful cruise programme that was instituted last year. The PCU is generating a lot of excitement and enthusiasm and I believe we really are on track now.”

Johann Augustyn, Chief Director of Research, Marine and Coastal Management Branch, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, South Africa.
GEF/UNDP Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems Project
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