Regional Observatory for Climate Change Adaptation: Training and Equipment Distribution to Research Institutes
Balaclava, 28 April 2025 – As part of the Regional Observatory for Climate Change Adaptation in the South-West Indian Ocean countries, the ECOFISH Programme and the Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) held a three-day training workshop and official climate equipment handover from 28 to 30 April 2025. This initiative is supported by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).
The training aimed to:
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Strengthen the technical capacities of research assistants and technical officers from six countries in the regional network: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tanzania.
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Equip research institutes with HOBO sensors for data collection. These tools will record key parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and salinity—critical for the sustainable management of marine resources.
Data collected at sea, combined with satellite image analysis, will help assess the vulnerability of fishing communities and identify the most effective adaptation strategies. To ensure accurate data, the equipment will need to remain submerged for at least a month.
According to Delphine Goguet, Maritime and Fisheries Officer at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles, the Climate Observatory is “a model of multilateralism and international cooperation” that helps countries make informed decisions in fisheries management. She encouraged the use of “technological innovation—such as underwater sensors, satellites, and predictive modelling—to better monitor and manage marine resources.”
Marc Maminiaina, Project Officer at the IOC, highlighted the interconnected challenges affecting the region: ocean warming threatening food security, species migrating to cooler waters, and ocean acidification endangering high-value shellfish like molluscs and crustaceans. According to FAO estimates, fisheries catches within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) could drop by 2.8–5.3% by 2050, posing serious risks to already vulnerable small-scale fishers and coastal communities. He described the Observatory as “a space for knowledge-sharing, a driver for research, and a practical tool for developing strategies, public policies, and concrete action plans.”
Dr. Daniel Marie, Director of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, emphasized the need for “standardised and high-quality equipment across all countries to ensure reliable results, long-term monitoring, and forecasting.” Based on an inventory conducted by ECOFISH in 2021 to identify regional climate change indicators and equipment needs, a list of essential technical tools was compiled. Data collected will be sent to the Regional Observatory and analysed by MOI scientists.
A live demonstration of equipment installation was conducted in the Balaclava lagoon to guide participants.
Dainise Quatre, Fisheries Scientist at the Seychelles Fisheries Authority, noted that for island nations like Seychelles, climate change has a direct impact on fish production. She considered this initiative crucial to building resilience in fishing communities.
Recent studies highlight the devastating effects of climate change in the region. According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, climate-related losses and damages in Africa are estimated at between USD 290 and 440 billion from 2020 to 2030.
The western Indian Ocean basin is warming faster than other oceans, threatening future ocean productivity and, consequently, the livelihoods and economic security of those who depend on the sea.
Launched in February 2024, the Regional Climate Observatory is led by MOI. It aims to deepen the understanding of climate change impacts on artisanal fisheries in the South-West Indian Ocean through observation, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
The observatory currently includes seven countries: Comoros, France/Reunion, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tanzania.
