Madagascar unveils five-year plan to double seafood output, create marine protected areas

Madagascar recently unveiled a five-year national action plan outlining measures the country can take to increase fish production volumes in order to meet an anticipated rise in seafood demand from its growing population.The plan, launched by the southeast African country’s Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, seeks to increase annual production of fish by 116 percent to 307,000 metric tons (MT) – compared to the nation’s current output of 142,000 MT – by the end of 2028.“It is becoming imperative to increase national [fish] production,” Madagascar Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy Paubert Mahatante said.The new plan paves the way for Madagascar to introduce fishing quotas, create marine protected areas, and diversify sources of income for fishing communities within the next five years, but for the country to feasibly achieve its ambitious target, the plan places a heavy emphasis on aquaculture output.Currently, Malagasy aquaculture production is estimated at ...