With 5,603 km of coastline, Madagascar’s enormous marine fish resources are of paramount importance to national food security, as well as to the livelihoods and culture of coastal people. Geographical isolation and an arid climate means that the coastal communities are highly reliant on the sea for their survival. More than 22 million people in Madagascar are dependent on biodiversity for their subsistence needs, with 80% essentially entirely dependent on natural resources.
Fishing is one of the main means of subsistence for the coastal communities. Tuna are harvested in the industrial seine fishery and longline fishery. Official fisheries statistics indicate catches of 10,000 to 11,000 tonnes per year.
Since 2006, locally managed aquaculture farms have sprouted up in shallow bays around Velondriake. These farms have introduced environmentally sustainable sea cucumber ranching as a simple source of cash for the Vezo community.
Seaweed farming has also been recognized as offering potential for significant production volumes.
Ports and Harbors: Madagascar is served by 6 international ports: Toamasina, Mahajanga, Antsiranana, Nosy-be, Toliara, and Ehoala, and 12 ports of coastal navigation: Vohémar, Maroantsetra, Mananjary, Manakara, Taolagnaro, Morombe, Morondava, Maintirano, Port Louis, Antsohihy, Sambava and Antalaha.