The Coastal Ocean Environment School in the Western Indian Ocean (COES-WIO) is a regional school strengthening ocean science capacity across East Africa and beyond.
about us
A Regional Platform for Ocean Science Excellence
COES-WIO was initiated by the University of Michigan and three Kenyan partners, building on successful programmes previously delivered in West Africa. Planning began in 2023 under the leadership of Prof. Brian Arbic. What started as a national initiative quickly evolved into a regional programme following strong interest from institutions and early-career professionals across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.
The inaugural 2025 school was co-hosted in Mumbasa, Kenya from 21st to 27th of September 2025 by:
Technical University of Mombasa (TUM)
Pwani University
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)
The 2026 school will be co-hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 20th to 26th of September 2026 by:
University of Dar es Salaam
Additional regional and international collaborators included:
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA)
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO / IOC Africa)
Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP Africa)
University of Michigan
Meet Our Founding Team
The founding team came from the University of Michigan and three Kenyan partner institutions: Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), Pwani University, and Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).
Brian K. Arbic
Professor at the University of Michigan. Founder of COESSING, held yearly since 2015 in Ghana and Nigeria, and of COES-WIO in the Western Indian Ocean. His work supports additional summer schools and capacity-sharing programmes across Africa.
Guided by a steering committee and not tied to a specific institution or nation.
In addition to being a UN Ocean Decade Program, the Ocean Corps concept is listed on the Ocean Shot Directory of the US National Committee for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
COES-WIO now serves as a growing network of institutions and professionals committed to strengthening marine science capacity in the region.
our objectives
Strengthen capacity and build networks advancing knowledge.
our impact
The inaugural COES-WIO 2025 programme achieved:
Participation from early-career professionals, postgraduate and undergraduate students
Engagement of instructors and experts from across Africa and beyond
We are a multiregional network in action
Beyond training, COES-WIO fostered lasting professional networks that will contribute to future research collaboration, policy engagement, and sustainable marine management throughout the Western Indian Ocean region.
programme themes
Five Core Areas of Hands-On Training
Our programme themes deliver practical skills for ocean professionals.
Training focuses on real-world challenges across the Western Indian Ocean.
Small-Scale Fisheries, Mariculture & Post-Harvest Management
Strengthening sustainable fisheries systems and improving coastal livelihoods.
Chemical & Physical Oceanography
Advancing understanding of ocean dynamics and coastal processes.
Climate Change & Physical Processes
Exploring climate variability and its impact on marine and coastal systems.
Marine Pollution & Plastics
Addressing marine debris and pollution challenges affecting ecosystems and communities.
Ecological Survey Techniques & Data Management
Equipping participants with field methodologies and analytical tools for marine ecosystem monitoring and research.
our funders
Supported by US National Science Foundation for the first two (2) years (2025 and 2026).
featured mentions
COES-WIO, COESSING, and affiliated programmes in the press and partner channels.
affiliated summer schools
COES-WIO sits within a wider family of summer schools and programmes advancing ocean science capacity.
COASTAL OCEAN ENVIRONMENT SUMMER SCHOOL IN NIGERIA AND GHANA (COESSING)
Sister school (since 2015) strengthening ocean and environmental sciences capacity across West Africa.
GULF OF GUINEA OCEAN SCIENCES SUMMER SCHOOL (GGOSSS)
A summer school for Francophone ocean scientists in West Africa.
umbrella organization
Global Ocean Corps
A UN Ocean Decade Program supporting exchange modalities such as COESSING, COES-WIO , GGOSSS and other affiliated actions.
youtube content
Talks, recaps, and participant stories from the COESSING School channel, including COES-WIO.
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Contact us
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