Gordian Mataba is an ecologist with a background in aquatic ecology and ecotoxicology, fisheries, and environmental monitoring and remediation in both marine and freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands) environments. Mataba is interested in research that link aquatic ecosystems with the catchment landscape. Particularly how anthropogenic actions and climate change influence landscape hydrology, aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem health. Using approaches from remote sensing and geospatial modelling, stable isotopes and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to machine learning techniques, he uncovers patterns in disease vectors and pathogens/parasites diversity and their spatial distribution, aquatic biodiversity and pollution especially of trace elements, and response of fish populations to exploitation. 

• Ecology and Ecosystems.
• Environmental pollution
• Introduction to GIS and remote sensing.
• Advanced GIS and remote sensing.

• Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA).
• British Ecological Society (BES).

Rufford Small Grant (Number 34455-1) for his project titled "Upscaling Conservation Awareness and Compliance Campaign for Conservation of the Endangered Manyara Tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas) in Lake Manyara, Tanzania." This grant supported his efforts to promote conservation awareness and sustainable practices among local communities to protect the endangered species and its habitat.

🐟 1. Conservation Awareness and Compliance Campaigns for the Endangered Manyara Tilapia

This project, supported by the Rufford Small Grant, aims to:

• Assess the current stock size and ecological habitat of the endangered Manyara Tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas) in Lake Manyara.
• Restore the population and habitat through fisheries management and dissemination of conservation education.
• Train communities on alternative income-generating activities, such as tree nurseries and poultry farming, to reduce overfishing pressures.

The project addresses threats like overfishing, habitat degradation, and lack of conservation awareness among local communities.

🦟 2. PhD Research on Mosquito Larvae Control in the Lake Manyara Basin

Dr. Mataba's PhD research focuses on integrated strategies to control mosquito oviposition and larval development in northern Tanzania. His studies explore the role of aquatic predators and biocides in regulating mosquito populations, aiming to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.

🌊 3. Impact of Anthropogenic Pollution and Artisanal Fishing on Tilapia Populations

In collaboration with colleagues, Dr. Mataba co-authored a study examining the effects of anthropogenic pollution and artisanal fishing on the populations of Tilapia species, including Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis amphimelas, in Lake Manyara. The research highlights the challenges posed by pollution and unsustainable fishing practices on fish stocks and local livelihoods.

Systematic literature review of bacterial larvicides Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis and Bacillus (Lysinibacillus) sphaericus for malaria control in Africa

GR Mataba - International Journal of Environmental Health …, 2025 - Taylor & Francis

A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted with the objective of finding
evidence on the contribution of microbial larvicides, Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis and …

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Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito avoids ovipositing in habitats with the annual fish (Nothobranchius neumanni) in Tanzania

GR Mataba, L Munishi, L Brendonck… - Aquatic Ecology, 2024 - Springer

Mosquitoes are known to choose oviposition habitats actively based on their suitability for
survival of their offspring. They thus avoid laying eggs in dangerous habitats with aquatic …

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[PDF] vub.be

Exploring integrated strategies to control oviposition and larval development in mosquitoes in Northern Tanzania

G Mataba - 2023 - researchportal.vub.be

… degree of Doctor of Sciences of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Gordian Rocky Mataba
… Dr. Bram Vanschoenwinkel, you were not only my main PhD promoter but also a brother and …

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• Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=2elzFc4AAAAJ
• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1288-802X