Fisheries and Coral Ecology Technical Lead at Wildlife Conservation Society, Kenya
Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei is an accomplished marine ecologist and fisheries scientist with over a decade of experience in science-based conservation. He holds a Master’s degree in Fisheries from Pwani University and currently serves as the Technical Lead for Fisheries and Coral Ecology at the Wildlife Conservation Society – Kenya Marine Program. His expertise lies in small-scale fisheries, coral reef ecology, and the socioeconomics of marine resource use. Jesse has made significant contributions to ecological research, sustainable fisheries management, and data-driven conservation strategies across Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications addressing pressing issues like climate change, resource sustainability, and fisheries policy. In addition to research, he plays a vital role in mentoring junior scientists, managing long-term datasets, and supporting global marine initiatives. Passionate about practical conservation solutions, Jesse combines technical skills, leadership, and regional collaboration to advance ecosystem resilience and community livelihoods in the Western Indian Ocean.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei has a solid academic foundation in marine and fisheries sciences. He earned a Master of Science degree in Fisheries from Pwani University in Mombasa, Kenya, where he specialized in sustainable fisheries management and ecological research. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Coastal and Marine Resource Management at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, gaining comprehensive knowledge in marine ecosystems, conservation, and coastal resource use. To further enhance his technical capabilities, Jesse has pursued several professional certifications, including Social Safeguards and Community Engagement from the Wildlife Conservation Society, R Programming from Macquarie University, and Practical Tools in Quantitative Fisheries Stock Assessment from the University of Florida and Pwani University. He is also a certified diver through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), which supports his field research activities. His educational background reflects both academic excellence and a commitment to continuous learning in applied marine science.
Professional Experience 💼
Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei has over a decade of professional experience in marine conservation, fisheries science, and ecological research. Since 2015, he has served as the Fisheries and Coral Ecologist Technical Lead at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) – Kenya Marine Program, where he leads research initiatives, develops conservation strategies, and mentors junior scientists. His work spans Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, involving the design and implementation of ecological and socioeconomic monitoring programs. Jesse manages and analyzes over 30 years of data on coral reefs, fish, and sea urchins, applying advanced statistical and machine learning tools to inform conservation policies. Prior to WCS, he worked as a Research Assistant at the Kenya Fisheries Service, where he managed fish catch data and supported national fisheries assessments. He also gained early field experience as an intern at the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute. His professional journey demonstrates a deep commitment to data-driven, impact-oriented marine conservation.
Research Interest 🔬
Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei’s research interests center on marine ecology, small-scale fisheries, and the human dimensions of marine resource management. He is particularly focused on the sustainable use and conservation of coral reef ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. His work aims to establish ecological baselines, assess the impacts of fishing practices, and set sustainable fisheries targets that align with ecosystem health and community livelihoods. Jesse is also interested in the integration of socioeconomic data with ecological indicators to inform holistic, adaptive marine management strategies. He has explored topics such as bycatch reduction, the effects of gear subsidies, fisheries responses to environmental and policy changes, and the role of compliance in conservation outcomes. His research combines field-based data collection, long-term monitoring, and advanced analytics, including machine learning, to generate practical solutions for fisheries sustainability. Ultimately, his goal is to support science-based policies that enhance ecosystem resilience and benefit coastal communities.
Research Skill🔎
Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei possesses a diverse and robust set of research skills that span ecological fieldwork, data analysis, and conservation planning. He is highly proficient in designing and implementing ecological and socioeconomic surveys related to coral reef health, fisheries, and coastal resource use. His expertise includes managing and analyzing complex datasets, including over 30 years of historical ecological data, using advanced statistical tools and machine learning techniques. Jesse is skilled in programming with R, enabling him to conduct quantitative stock assessments and generate data-driven insights to inform fisheries management. He has experience in digitizing monitoring tools and developing innovative approaches to track and assess conservation outcomes. Additionally, his diving certification enhances his ability to conduct in situ marine ecosystem assessments. Jesse is also adept at producing peer-reviewed scientific publications and technical reports, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical policy guidance. His research skills reflect strong analytical, technical, and field-based capabilities.
Award and Honor🏆
Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei’s profile does not list formal awards or honors, his career achievements and contributions reflect significant professional recognition and impact within the marine conservation and fisheries science community. Serving as the Technical Lead for Fisheries and Coral Ecology at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) – Kenya Marine Program is itself a testament to his leadership and expertise. His co-authorship in high-impact peer-reviewed journals alongside internationally respected scientists demonstrates the high regard for his research contributions. Jesse has also played key roles in regional and global conservation initiatives, and his mentorship of students and young scientists adds to his professional standing. His involvement in long-term ecological monitoring, data management, and sustainable fisheries strategies has made him a valued contributor to evidence-based environmental policy. While not yet formally decorated with awards, his growing influence and proven track record make him a strong candidate for future honors and recognitions in the field.
Conclusion📝
Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei is a highly qualified and impactful researcher whose work has made meaningful contributions to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management in East Africa. His scientific rigor, leadership, and applied research make him a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award. However, greater visibility through first-author publications, academic affiliations, and recognized honors would further solidify his candidacy.
Publications Top Noted📚
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Coral reef fish communities, diversity, and their fisheries and biodiversity status in East Africa
Author(s): TR McClanahan
Journal: Marine Ecology Progress Series
Year: 2019
Cited by: 41
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Improving sustainable yield estimates for tropical reef fisheries
Author(s): TR McClanahan, MK Azali
Journal: Fish and Fisheries
Year: 2020
Cited by: 20
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Community biomass and life history benchmarks for coral reef fisheries
Author(s): TR McClanahan
Journal: Fish and Fisheries
Year: 2018
Cited by: 19
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Perceptions of governance effectiveness and fisheries restriction options in a climate refugia
Author(s): T McClanahan, C Abunge
Journal: Biological Conservation
Year: 2020
Cited by: 16
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Outcomes of gear and closure subsidies in artisanal coral reef fisheries
Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei
Journal: Conservation Science and Practice
Year: 2019
Cited by: 16
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Redistribution of benefits but not detection in a fisheries bycatch-reduction management initiative
Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei
Journal: Conservation Biology
Year: 2018
Cited by: 13
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Low optimal fisheries yield creates challenges for sustainability in a climate refugia
Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei
Journal: Conservation Science and Practice
Year: 2023
Cited by: 7
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Fish catch responses to Covid-19 disease curfews dependent on compliance, fisheries management, and environmental contexts
Author(s): TR McClanahan, MK Azali, JK Kosgei
Journal: Marine Policy
Year: 2022
Cited by: 5
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Challenges to managing fisheries with high inter-community variability on the Kenya-Tanzania border
Author(s): TR McClanahan, RM Oddenyo, JK Kosgei
Journal: Current Research in Environmental Sustainability
Year: 2024
Cited by: 3
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Fisheries sustainability eroded by lost catch proportionality in a coral reef seascape
Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei, AT Humphries
Journal: Sustainability
Year: 2025
Cited by: 1
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Variation in coral reef fisheries production, employment, and living wage goals
Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei
Journal: [Not specified]
Year: 2025
Cited by: Not listed
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Challenges of Implementing Fisheries and Coastal Management Policies in Climate Refuge on an International Boundary
Author(s): TR McClanahan, RM Oddenyo, JK Kosgei
Journal: SSRN (Preprint)
Year: 2024
Cited by: Not listed
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Fisheries Sustainability Eroded by the Loss of Vulnerable Dominant Taxa and Insufficient Compensatory Production in a Coral Reef Seascape
Author(s): T McClanahan, JK Kosgei, AT Humphries
Journal: MDPI AG
Year: [Not specified]
Cited by: Not listed