Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nationsfor a world without hunger
The designations employed and the presentation of material in the map(s) are for illustration only and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal or constitutional status of any country, territory or sea area, or concerning the delimitation of frontiers or boundaries. Part I Statistics and main indicatorsPart II Narrative (2008)
Additional information⇧Part I Statistics and main indicatorsThis section provides statistics and indicators produced through FAO’s Statistics programmes, available by the year reported for the narrative section. General geographic and economic indicators Table 1 – General geographic and economic data - Madagascar
FAO Fisheries statistics Table 2a – Fisheries data (i) - Madagascar
Table 2b – Fisheries data (ii) – Madagascar
Updated 2008⇧Part II NarrativeThis section provides supplementary information based on national and other sources and valid at the time of compilation. References to these sources are provided as far as possible. Production sectorThe production from the shrimp sector constitutes the major export in fisheries of Madagascar. However since 2004 the sector has experienced difficulties due to: low profitability, climate change, low price due to great Asian and South American production and increase in price of petroleum products. Madagascar lies in the tropical Western Indian Ocean, surrounded by waters of the Southern Equatorial Current (SEC) and forming part of the Agulhas Large Marine Ecosystem (LME). Madagascar’s long coastline is estimated at 5,600 km, east and west coasts, large latitudinal range and upstream location in relation to eastern and southern Africa. Madagascar includes the smaller offshore islands and the main island. The island has a central high plateau that is 1,000 to 2,000 metres in altitude and fall steeply into a narrow coastal line. Madagascar continental shelf has a breadth of 20 to 30 km in the North West and 2 to 5 km along certain areas on the east coast. The surface area is 177,000 km². The west side of the continental shelf is conducive to traditional fishing There are basically two types of fisheries in Madagascar the industrial fisheries which targets off-shore tuna, bill-fish, sharks (as by catch) and the near shore shrimp fishery. The traditional fisheries are carried out from dugout canoes using oars and sails and exploits marine mammals, sea turtles, fish, sharks and rays, echinoderms, molluscs, crustaceans and some sea weeds. In addition non-edible resources such as aquarium fish, corals and sponges are also periodically collected. The collection of sea cucumber from deeper waters is also a growing industry. Madagascar large shrimp production sub-sector has over the years recorded a continued growth and is the main export commodity bringing in the much needed foreign exchange. The different categories of fishing are:
The estimated potential for capture fisheries and aquaculture is 480,000 tonnes, out of which some 300,000 tonnes of fish with commercial interest are exploited. Table 3 – Capture and aquaculture fisheries – Madagascar
Marine sub-sector Fish production Marine capture fisheries accounts for more than 80 percent of total fish production and is derived mainly from:
Fishing by the EU fleet is limited to 43 purse seiners and 50 Surface longliners. In 2007, the EU fleet consisted of 97 tuna purse seiners out of which 41 was from France, 48 from Spain, 7 from Portugal and Italy with one fishing vessel. Furthermore, Spain had 24 longliners, Portugal 6, and France with 10 longliners. Trawling is the main method for shrimp fishing. The industrial fleet trawls off the central and north-west and east coasts and 1 to 2 miles from shore line. They also exploit a coastal belt around 1 to 10 miles wide on the west coast. It has been noted that industrial shrimp production has decreased over the last three years due to climate change and high level of exploitation of the resources. The catch has stabilized at around 8,500 tonnes annually for the last ten years. The By catch from the industrial fishery amounts to 3,175 tonnes and is entirely sold on the local market. Tuna production stood at 10 000 tonnes/year, and is mainly caught by the EU fleet. Similar decline has been noted over the past few years. Artisanal fisheries though still at a low level of development, they are better organized and technically more advanced than traditional fisheries with each level exploiting different fishing grounds. The coastal marine resources have been estimated at 180,000 tonnes and 140,000 tonnes for ocean fishing. Coastal resources are mainly exploited by industrial fishing units catching some 15,800 tonnes of fish and 5,400 tonnes of shrimps. Traditional fishermen using dugout canoes with or without outriggers produce some 72,300 tonnes whilst the small scale fishery produces some 600 tonnes per year. Employment in the traditional fisheries approximates 60,000 fishers using 62,000 low equipped canoes. At a national level, it is conducted mainly along the coast. The coastal area is under-exploited and the yields are usually low 2 to 3 tonnes of fish per year per canoe. Usually it targets octopus, squids and crabs for export. The traditional fishing sector is responsible for 53 percent of the total marine fish catch, whilst the industrial shrimp and deep water fisheries accounts for 8.8 percent of the total catch). This industry is in a period of expansion as it was authorized only in 2001. There are two different types of vessels in the fisheries sector:
Main resourcesThe production from the shrimp sector constitutes the major export in fisheries of Madagascar. However since 2004 the sector has experienced difficulties due to: low profitability, climate change, low price due to great Asian and South American production and increase in price of petroleum products. Madagascar lies in the tropical Western Indian Ocean, surrounded by waters of the Southern Equatorial Current (SEC) and forming part of the Agulhas Large Marine Ecosystem (LME). Madagascar’s long coastline is estimated at 5,600 km, east and west coasts, large latitudinal range and upstream location in relation to eastern and southern Africa. Madagascar includes the smaller offshore islands and the main island. The island has a central high plateau that is 1,000 to 2,000 metres in altitude and fall steeply into a narrow coastal line. Madagascar continental shelf has a breadth of 20 to 30 km in the North West and 2 to 5 km along certain areas on the east coast. The surface area is 177,000 km². The west side of the continental shelf is conducive to traditional fishing There are basically two types of fisheries in Madagascar the industrial fisheries which targets off-shore tuna, bill-fish, sharks (as by catch) and the near shore shrimp fishery. The traditional fisheries are carried out from dugout canoes using oars and sails and exploits marine mammals, sea turtles, fish, sharks and rays, echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans and some sea weeds. In addition non-edible resources such as aquarium fish, corals and sponges are also periodically collected. The collection of sea cucumber from deeper waters is also a growing industry. Madagascar large shrimp production sub-sector has over the years recorded a continued growth and is the main export commodity bringing in the much needed foreign exchange. Management applied to main fisheriesThe Ministry for Agriculture and Fisheries (MAEP) in Madagascar has the responsibility for the management of the different fisheries. The Ministry defines the guidelines and policies necessary to the development of the fishing and aquaculture sectors over a period of four years (2004-2007). This four year plan is based fundamentally on research and good management practices for fish production and the development of new resources. For the 2004-2007 periods, the economical and social objectives of the plan were to:
For endangered stocks (shrimp and lobster stocks) and which are important to the economy of the country, strict management measures are taken based on scientific data and analysis. For example, from 1996 the results of stock evaluation (1996, 1998) have shown that the fishing effort was at its maximum (all sectors) for shrimp fishing. In 1998, during a workshop on shrimp fishing under the responsibility of the MPRH and organized in the framework of the Sectorial Fishing Programme of the FAO, the GAPCM proposed to freeze the fishing effort. The MPRH then limited the number of licenses to 1998 level for duration of two years (order 4982/99). In 2000, this freeze was maintained at 36 licenses for artisanal fishing and 75 licenses for industrial fishing, based on 1999 references (Decree 2000-415). This measure was not accompanied by supplementary measures, such as restrictions in the volume of the catch and industrial companies compensated their diminishing returns by increasing the fishing effort to maintain production volume. Over-exploited trepang and shark stocks, whose production in tonnage and export value are less important than shrimp have not been the focus of specific management measures to reduce or counteract any over-exploitation. For under-exploited stock, the 2004-2007 Plan for fishing and aquaculture foresaw an annual production increase of 1,000 tonnes for deep water fish and crab. For the latter, the MAEP estimates the exploitable potential to be 15 times the present production. Moreover, deep water crustacean and cephalopod fishing offer interesting development possibilities. The major constraint has been the availability of finance for the proper implementation of the 2004/07 plan for the fisheries sector.Management objectivesNot much emphasis have been laid on the management of traditional fisheries as these are regulated like individual fishing, with a ban on the use of toxic substances, explosives and electrical devices to stun the fish as well as any equipment to extend diving time. For the management of lobsters, crabs, holothurians and algae, an authorization from the Faritany Executive Committee is necessary. Same is true for the creation or the exploitation of a fishing enterprise and/or the sale and collection of its fishery products. In this case, the firm is obliged to technically assist fishermen and help them purchase materials and fishing vessels as and when required. He must also collect sales data and communicate same on a monthly basis. The holothurians and lobster fisheries are submitted to size restrictions (minimum of 11 cm fresh and 8 cm dry for holothurians and 20 cm for lobster). However, the restrictions concerning lobster are not actively enforced. Lobster fishing is also banned each year from the 1st of January to the 31st of March. Shrimp production is by far the most important industrial fishery both in terms of volume or value. Industrial shrimp fishing has been exploited since 1967 and is constantly being monitored by the Ministry and international organizations. Formal and documented management plans have been put in place over the last years.Deep water fishing is submitted to a regime of licences and taxes. Fishing zones are regulated (two miles in the West coast and eight miles in the East). Net sizes are regulated and vessel-owners have to provide the Ministry with catch data. A vessel monitoring system is operational since 2002. All artisanal and industrial fishing vessels are fitted with the Inmarsat C global positioning system and must transmit their location to the CSP every hour (24 positions daily). CSP qualified observers, paid by the ship owners are placed on each vessel. Management measures and institutional arrangements Co-management activities and participatory approaches Madagascar has a unique mode of management for the shrimp fishery encompassing co-management of the fishery with stakeholders. New regulations have been promulgated. The control and monitoring of the fishery is carried out by the “programme national de recherche crevettière, observatoire économique de la filière crevette, autorité sanitaire halieutique”. It is also felt that this participatory approach will be beneficial in the long term to the sustainable exploitation of the stock. Rights-based approaches to fisheries management Madagascar has not so far implemented the right based management approaches to its fisheries. However, the present management system, including data collection, analysis and organizational structure needs to be revisited for a more effective and efficient control of the various fisheries. Fishing communitiesMadagascar is implementing various forms of community based management for its marine resources. The communities involved in fishing activities are encouraged to work in consultation with local tourism authorities, the Ministry of Fisheries and local operators to limit excessive take and reduce conflict among users. Strategies include the establishment of a no-take zone and gear restrictions as well as re-investing from tourism into conservation and social projects.Inland sub-sectorThe inland fisheries exploit various streams and lakes and are aimed mainly at local consumption. The main species targeted are the tilapias, carps, black-bass and fibata. The following fishing grounds are exploited:
Table 4 - Catch data for the inland fisheries - Madagascar
Table 5 - Madagascar
Madagascar has had many problems with regards to environmental destruction by the rural population as 77 percent live in poverty. Aquaculture has become one of the alternatives projects in Madagascar to reduce poverty and to contribute to social well being of the population. The USAID is one of the organizations that help the country with aquaculture as a way to promote rural development. This project encourages rural people to culture fish in rice fields. This project is funded by the USAID. With the the establishment of a fish nursery there has been a constant supply of fingerlings. At the moment there are 210 commercial fingerlings centers producing some 6 000 0000 fingerlings for local rural fish farmers. About 40 percent of the farmers raise royal carp directly in rice fields. After each season, they dig out the manure rich mud and use this to fertilize garden plots or small plots of land devoted to intensive rice production. Farmers report that the yields on these plots have increased significantly. However, due to severe food shortages, fish theft is widespread. Markets need to be expanded to cater for increased production. It is worthy to note that fish culture is helping to reduce pressure on natural resources and providing local families with food and income they need. More information at: Post-harvest sectorFish utilizationFish is utilized in many forms. The following main products are found at most markets:
Fish marketsMadagascar’s main fish export markets are listed below:
Due to the high shrimp prices, domestic demand for shrimp is very low. Local consumers usually purchase the small and medium-sized dried shrimp originating from the artisanal fisheries sector which are cheaper. The high quality, large-sized industrial shrimp landings are mainly for the export market, although a significant quantity is sold to the local restaurants, supermarket chains and hotels. The total value for fish exports is increasing annually with shrimps as the principal export commodity and the main source of foreign exchange earnings. Around 33,000 tonnes are exported out of which more than 50 percent are exported to the European countries and the rest mainly to Japan, Mauritius and some Asian countries. Socio-economic contribution of the fishery sectorFisheries and aquaculture sector is one of the three main pillars of the economy, together with the mine industry and the tourism industry. Madagascar has a rich biodiversity in terms of flora and fauna including the marine sector. Sustainable exploitation of these resources will ensure the future of the fishing industry. Shrimp culture is quite developed and occupies a major place in the national economy. The industry has been expanding year by year and production through aquaculture present stands at around 50 percent of total production and is being actively promoted by the authorities to reduce the pressure on the natural resources.Role of fisheries in the national economyThe fisheries sector plays a major socio-economic role in the country. The capture fisheries including aquaculture contributes 7 percent to the gross Domestic Product (GPD) and is also a provider of employment. Approximately 194,000 direct jobs in the primary sector of which 33,365 as fish farmers and 3,000 indirect jobs have been created. In rural communities, fishing is the main source of income. Fish Consumption is a major source of protein for the coastal population and stood at about 7 kg per caput per year, well below the average of 16 kg/caput. Fisheries play a predominant role in employment creation, food security and poverty alleviation. The Fishing industry contributed more than US$ 161 million to foreign exchange earnings in 2001, representing more than 20 percent of the total export earnings for the same year and 7 percent as PIB.Supply and demand Supply Data collection in the fisheries sector is not dependable, given the great price variation between species, size, value added (smoking, salting, drying) and the geographical location of the sale points. Nonetheless, it is certain that marine fish production, mostly traditional, is important to local market food supply. Demand The demand for fish and fish products annually in Madagascar exceeds 130,000 tonnes, however it also depends on the purchasing power of the population and the availability of the products on the market. Over the last two years, mining and tourism development have increased the demand in quantity and in quality for fish and fish products.TradeThe main markets for Malagasy shrimp are France and Japan. Significant volumes are also exported to Réunion island, Mauritius, South Africa, Portugal and United Kingdom. Madagascar is actively pursuing its policy of encouraging joint ventures in the fisheries sector. In this context, it is strengthening its capacity to establish an effective fish inspection system and to assist seafood exporters in meeting the quality standards in terms of staff capacity and training on trends in Quality Assurance and the HACCP concept.Food securityFish and fish products plays an important role as regards to food security in Madagascar and is an important source of animal protein to coastal population. It has been estimated that fish and fish products contribute about 20 percent of animal protein consumption of total population to improve the quality of nutrition of population. Trends, issues and developmentThe government of Madagascar has listed a number of development policies to sustain the fishery industry. These are:
Constraints and opportunitiesSome of the major constraints are listed below:
Research, education and trainingResearchList of Institutes for research:
Education and trainingThere are two levels of education in fisheries and aquaculture in Madagascar:
Institutional frameworkThe Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAEP) is responsible for the management of fishing through the Directorate of Fishing and Fish Resources. The organigram set out below gives the organizational structure of fisheries authorities at national level, listing the main institutions responsible for fisheries management as well as major stakeholders. Figure 1 - Organizational chart of the MAEP - Madagascar The Regional Directorate for Rural Development, the Regional Services for Fishing and Fish Production are responsible for implementation of projects and providing services at a regional level. They work in collaboration with the councils for fishing and agriculture. The various agencies co-ordinate the application of fisheries legislation. Legal frameworkThe following legal frameworks govern the fisheries sector:
More information at: More information at: Additional informationFAO Thematic data bases PublicationsMeetings & News archive⇧ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fisheries and
Aquaculture Department
| Fisheries and Aquaculture Department |
to turn layers on and off 
