×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Home To Bold Columnists
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Lobster scarcity forces fisherman to become a reef ranger

Omar Ali Mohammed (left), a reef ranger at Lamu in uniform with a colleague

We have been travelling for an hour in a speedboat from Pate Island in Lamu when at 11am, we suddenly come to a stop in the middle of the vast ocean. Omar Mohammed has been vigorously chewing a large piece of gum. When we come to a stop, he puts it in his ear.

We were looking for a spot where the reef rangers can begin their work, and this place, known as Pethali Reef might be it, and he will need gum in his ear for the dive.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in