Madagascar commits to joining Fisheries Transparency Initiative

Madagascar has, through its Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, announced its commitment to join the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) in a boost to the ongoing global effort to achieve transparency in marine fisheries management.

In a letter to FiTI International Board Chair Valeria Merino, Madagascar Minister for Fisheries and Blue Economy Paubert Mahatante said the commitment to join the initiative is “part of a growth in fisheries transparency and participation for a more sustainable management of marine fisheries in Madagascar.”

Madagascar’s Cabinet approved the decision to join the FiTI, becoming the fifth country to do so after Mauritania, Senegal, Seychelles, and Cabo Verde.

The ministry said the move to join FiTI is “a major step towards the preservation, management, and development of sustainable fisheries for future generations.”

“Joining the FiTI will allow us to improve delivery of public services, enhance transparency for responsible fishing and promote collaboration between all stakeholders in the fisheries and blue economy sector,” the statement said.

World Bank statistics indicate Madagascar’s fisheries, mainly concentrated on the country’s 4,828-kilometer coastline, have an annual production capacity value of USD 750 million (EUR 644 million), an equivalent of more than 7 percent of the country’s national gross domestic product, contributing 6.6 percent to Madagascar total exports.

“It is clear that national authorities already understand the importance of an inclusive, participatory approach to fisheries management, evident through the frequent mention of transparency in national strategy documents such as La Stratégie Nationale de Bonne Gouvernance de la Pêche de Madagascar, and La Stratégie Nationale de Gestion de la Pêche Thonière,” FiTI Regional Coordinator for the Western Indian Ocean Will May said.

According to May, Madagascar’s public commitment “represents a crucial first step towards further enhancing the availability of credible, accurate, and timely fisheries management information relevant for Madagascar.”

“Making fisheries management more transparent and inclusive can positively influence the capacity to manage fisheries efficiently and sustainably, as well as the ability for effective oversight, accountability, and public dialogue,” May said.

FiTI International Secretariat said it will offer technical support to Madagascar in working towards “fulfilling the initial sign-up steps required for it to submit its official candidate application to the FiTI International Board.”  

Photo courtesy of Dietmar Temps/Shutterstock