How Sustainable is Mangrove Harvesting in Lamu? An Analysis of Forest Structure

Adequate natural regeneration rates suggest potential for mangrove recovery after disturbance, despite prolonged human pressure. The study analyzed forest structure and regeneration across five mangrove management blocks in Lamu, Kenya, using stratified random sampling and linear regeneration sampling (LRS) methods. It found that Rhizophora mucronata and Ceriops tagal are the dominant species, with 42% of the forest stocked with low-quality poles indicating sustained human impact. However, a natural regeneration rate of 7,342 ± 450 juveniles per hectare was observed, deemed sufficient for forest recovery. These findings provide critical insights for developing sustainable harvest plans in Lamu.

Mbatha, A., Githaiga, M. N., Kiplagat, K., Kairo, J., & Mungai, F. (2022). How Sustainable is Mangrove Harvesting in Lamu? An Analysis of Forest Structure. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 42(8), 848–867. https://doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2022.2123357