Strengthening Sea Level Monitoring and Data Management in East Africa for Coastal Resilience and Community Safety (SEAMARCS)

Sea level is an Essential Ocean Variable (EOV), yet it remains poorly monitored along the East African coastline. The SEAMARCS project addresses the urgent need for comprehensive, cost-effective, and locally driven sea-level monitoring systems in the Western Indian Ocean, focusing on Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Seychelles. These countries are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise and its impacts on coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.The project aims to strengthen regional sea-level observation by linking existing stations to the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility, while testing, deploying, and maintaining affordable tide gauge systems through the “Sea Level in a Box” approach. SEAMARCS also seeks to build technical capacity by training scientists and technicians in the installation, operation, maintenance, and application of sea-level data, while progressively transferring ownership of the systems to national technical institutions.Infrastructure deployment is complemented by regional workshops and hands-on training activities that support collaborative learning and long-term skills development. Through these efforts, the project will establish a regional community of practice of sea-level operators capable of addressing technical challenges through peer support and engagement with regional and global networks, including the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS).By improving access to reliable sea-level data and strengthening local expertise, SEAMARCS contributes to evidence-based coastal management, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience planning. The project supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing the collection and dissemination of critical ocean data needed for resilient coastal development and infrastructure planning.SEAMARCS is co-funded by the Flanders-UNESCO Science Trust Funds (FUST) and aligns with regional and global frameworks, including the African Union Agenda 2063, Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy), and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).