An approach towards the quantification of the dynamics of a lacustrine bay based on blue economy investments

Abstract

The article presents a possible translational approach for the quantification of the changes that may occur in a lakescape following increased blue economy investments. The methodology used available literature, data and information from blue economy strategies implemented in a very active shoreline and rapidly growing Kisumu Bay of Lake Victoria, Kenya, as well as other publicly available online information. The study aimed to investigate the possible dynamics that may have socio-ecological effects on the environment. Six in-situ data collection locations were chosen based on the monthly sampling which occurred between 2018 and 2023. All parameters and investigation sites demonstrated stochastic temporal and geographical shifts. However, using this novel conceptual framework, the data revealed a mixed picture of the effects of blue economy investments on lacustrine health following the revamping of most shoreline activities. Based on nutrient and light transparency data, the lake water was found to be eutrophic to hypereutrophic, which was exacerbated by the start of these initiatives. The socio-ecological assessment showed that the bay had experienced continued variety of blue economy investments ranging in size and proximity to the lake. The parameters used showed varied patterns based on the proposed geographical scaling paradigm. Most of the identified blue economy investments had large variations in magnitude and their closeness to lacustrine ecosystems. This study provides a more practical, focused and localised technique of analysing the socio-ecological and limnological status of a potential hot spot for blue economy investment that is applicable to other lacustrine environments.