Improved accessibility and changing dynamics of small-scale fisheries anaquaculture activities in southwest Madagascar

Abstract

Small-scale fishing and aquaculture activities in the village of Andrevo in southwest (SW) Madagascar was investigated to assess changing dynamics during a period of improved road infrastructure and accessibility. Socio-economic surveys and fisheries monitoring were undertaken using a simple random sampling strategy. Stakeholders involved in the small-scale fisheries and aquaculture sectors were sampled. The main types of fishing gear were hook-and-line (including longline), harpoon, speargun, gill nets, bottom seine nets, mosquito and shark nets (called ZZ or Jarifa). Subsectors of the fishery were boat fishers (74 %), foot fishers (18 %), and combined (8 %). On average, 236 boats fish on a daily basis, with an overall catch rate (all gears combined) of 7.5 kg/trip/gear and total catch of approx. 47 tonnes/month. Mariculture of seaweed and sea cucumber farming constitute alternative income-generating activities. The production of dry seaweed varied from 9-70 tonnes/year, and sea cucumber production depended on the number of juveniles delivered. An ecosystem-based approach to managing fisheries and aquaculture at Andrevo is recommended, using locally-based measures such as co-management and marine protected areas (MPAs). The dynamics of the small-scale fishery and aquaculture activities are also discussed in this paper in relation to improved road infrastructure and accessibility in SW Madagascar.