Madagascar Unveils National Action Plan to Boost Aquaculture and Fisheries Sector – Madagascar’s aquaculture production reached 30,000 tonnes in 2023.
“This production potential needs to be increased to meet the country’s needs, which are estimated at over 307,000 tonnes per year”,
said the Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Paubert Mahatante.
However, current total production in the fisheries sector, including traditional fishing, is around 142,000 tonnes.
For the Minister for Fisheries,
“it is becoming imperative to increase national aquaculture production, given that annual fish consumption is estimated at 7 kg per capita, below the African average of 11 kg per capita”.
The challenge is to satisfy the constantly growing demand for food as a result of population growth.
With this in mind, yesterday in Ampandrianomby Antananarivo, the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MPEB) officially unveiled the National Action Plan for the development of small-scale sea and inland fishing in Madagascar (2024-2028), as well as the Investment Guide for Aquaculture in Madagascar, aimed at structuring and boosting the sector.
12 strategic documents
Since its creation, the MPEB has drawn up 12 strategic documents to promote small-scale fishing and aquaculture resources. The National Action Plan is not limited to mere intentions. This strategic document proposes concrete measures such as the introduction of fishing quotas, the creation of marine protected areas and the diversification of sources of income for fishing communities.
“By building the capacity of fishermen through training and education, we ensure that small-scale fishing remains a viable and sustainable activity for future generations”,
argues the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
At the same time, the Aquaculture Investment Guide is a valuable tool for attracting and guiding investment in this sector. Minister Paubret Mahatante is convinced that “aquaculture is the future of fishing in the world”.
“We can be proud of the fact that Madagascar currently has the most strategic documents that make the Big Island a model in Africa”,
said the Minister, thanks to the support of numerous international partners, in particular the FAO.
Madagascar Unveils National Action Plan to Boost Aquaculture and Fisheries Sector
