Breaking: MadagascarS Vezo Confront a Sea in Flux as coastal Livelihoods Pivot to Seaweed adn Local Governance
Along Madagascar’s southwestern shores, the Vezo-long defined by a sea-born way of life-face an existential test as warming oceans and industrial fishing tighten their grip on the Mozambique Channel. In and around the port city of Toliara, tens of thousands of vezo communities rely on small-scale fishing to survive.
For generations, Vezo fishermen launch pirogues-hand-carved boats from a single tree trunk-into shallow, turquoise waters to catch tuna, barracuda and grouper. “We rely solely on the ocean.Whatever we catch today, we eat today. If we catch nothing, we don’t eat,” says Soa Nomeny, a Vezo woman from Nosy Ve.
The steady drift from abundance to scarcity is clear in Nosy Ve, a pocket of roughly 600 residents where local catching grounds have shrunk. Veterans recall fish populations collapsing in the 1990s, with declines accelerating over the last decade. rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, and damaged reefs have erased breeding habitats and shortened fishing seasons. “There’s no abundance near shore any more. We’re forced to paddle farther,” the fishers report.
Industrial trawlers-both Malagasy and foreign-frequently intrude into near-shore waters despite bans.weak enforcement means violations persist and returns for small-scale fishers dwindle. A two-decade record from conservation groups points to reef fish biomass in southwest Madagascar falling by more than half since the 1990s.
In response, communities are turning to locally managed marine areas (LMMAs). These locally led efforts help communities set fishing rules, rebuild reefs and explore alternative livelihoods. Temporary closures, for example, have supported octopus stocks, while seaweed farming is gaining ground as a buffer against climate shocks and overfishing.
Seaweed: A Growing lifeline
Ambatomilo, known as Seaweed Village, has become a leading example. The village, guided by an LMMA committee, cultivates seaweed as a supplementary income for fishers whose traditional grounds are overexploited. Harvests are dried and sold to cooperatives, providing an extra safety net when fishing falters.
Olive, a seaweed Village farmer, and her husband Fabricé harvest regularly. “Market prices run around 1,500 ariary per kilo,” Olive explains, describing racks of red seaweed laid out to dry. Depending on the season,families can produce up to a tonne a month,which helps stabilize family livelihoods during lean fishing periods.
Seaweed farming has become one of Madagascar’s fastest-growing coastal industries. The crop is exported mainly for carrageenan, a gelling agent used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and it also serves locally as fertiliser and animal feed.Environmental studies indicate seaweed farms can help stabilize coastlines by reducing wave energy and absorbing carbon dioxide, contributing to erosion control and carbon sequestration.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern madagascar, around Toliara and Nosy Ve |
| People | The Vezo, a semi-nomadic, ocean-dependent community |
| Main livelihood | Small-scale fishing; some households diversify with seaweed farming |
| Threats | Rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, reef degradation, overfishing by industrial fleets |
| Adaptation | Locally managed marine areas; temporary closures; seaweed farming; diversification of income |
| Significance | Addresses food security and coastal resilience while preserving cultural practices |
The Vezo’s resilience also lives in tradition.Even as seasons shift and migration becomes a contingency, cultural rites such as Tromba ceremonies persist, guiding communities through crises and journeys. Families still gather for harvests on the coast, sharing catches and meals that tie daily life to the sea and it’s rhythms.
Experts say the Vezo’s experience illustrates a broader challenge across coastal Africa: how small communities can endure when the ocean-the lifeblood of their culture-changes so rapidly. By combining locally governed stewardship with new livelihoods like seaweed farming, the Vezo are shaping a model that blends tradition with adaptation.
As industrial fleets expand and reef ecosystems continue to shift, the question remains: can locally led governance and diversified incomes sustain both the environment and the people who depend on it?
What do you think is the best path forward for communities like the Vezo as seas warm and markets demand more from coastal ecosystems?
Share your thoughts below and tell us how communities can balance cultural heritage with innovative livelihoods. How should governments support these transitions while safeguarding coastal ecosystems?
Further reading and related context can be found through international conservation and climate resilience networks that highlight locally led management and sustainable aquaculture as tools for coastal adaptation.
Engage with us: what questions should we ask policymakers about protecting small-scale fishers while promoting sustainable progress?
Seaweed farming (primarily Eucheuma cottonii and Gracilaria spp.) offers high‑value, low‑tech income potential.
Changing Marine Landscape in Madagascar
- Coastal waters around Madagascar have experienced a 30 % drop in average catch per unit effort (CPUE) for pelagic species such as barracuda, grouper and tuna since 2012 (FAO, 2024).
- Rising sea‑surface temperatures and coral‑reef bleaching have reduced reef‑associated habitats, pushing key predators further offshore.
- Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign fleets accounts for an estimated 12 % of the nation’s total marine harvest (World bank, 2023).
Decline of Customary Target Species
| Species | Historical Average annual Landings (tons) | 2024 Landings (tons) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda (Sphyraena spp.) | 4,200 | 2,800 | -33 % |
| Grouper (Epinephelus spp.) | 6,500 | 4,200 | -35 % |
| Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) | 9,800 | 6,900 | -30 % |
– Over‑exploitation has led to size‑selective fishing, with larger, more profitable individuals disappearing first.
- Bycatch of juveniles in gill‑nets further hampers stock recovery, as documented in the western Antongil Bay surveys (IFREMER, 2022).
Economic Impact on Small‑Scale Fishers
- Average household income from fishing fell from ≈ US $1,200 / year (2015) to ≈ US $600 / year (2024) in the western coastal districts of Mahajanga and Toliara.
- 95 % of boat owners report spending more than three weeks per month on repair and fuel due to longer trips to distant fishing grounds.
- food security concerns have risen, with 56 % of fisher families reporting reduced access to protein sources (Ministry of Fisheries, 2023).
Emerging Seaweed Industry as a Diversification Strategy
- Seaweed farming (primarily eucheuma cottonii and Gracilaria spp.) offers high‑value, low‑tech income potential.
- Pilot projects in Nosy Be and Fort Dauphin have demonstrated annual yields of 12 t ha⁻¹, translating to US $4,500 - $6,000 per hectare after processing (WorldFish, 2023).
- The sector aligns with global demand for carrageenan,biofuels and climate‑friendly feed additives,positioning Madagascar as a future exporter.
Case Study: Seaweed Co‑ops in Antsiranana Province
- Community Formation – In 2021, 15 fishing families formed the “Masoala Seaweed Cooperative,” pooling resources for seed stock and rope material.
- Training & Certification – The cooperative partnered with the FAO‑UNDP Enduring Aquaculture Initiative, receiving a 5‑day on‑shore cultivation workshop.
- Economic Results – Within 18 months, collective earnings rose from US $720 / month (fishing only) to US $1,350 / month (combining fish and seaweed).
- Gender Inclusion – Women now account for 42 % of seaweed harvesters,benefiting from flexible work schedules and reduced physical strain.
practical Steps for Fishermen Transitioning to Seaweed Farming
- Assess Site Suitability
- Water depth: 1-3 m for optimal light penetration.
- Salinity: 30-35 ppt; avoid sites near freshwater influxes.
- Current speed: 0.2-0.8 m s⁻¹ to ensure nutrient flow without rope breakage.
- Secure Starter Materials
- Purchase certified seedlings from the National Seaweed Seedbank (Antananarivo).
- Use locally sourced nylon or polypropylene lines (diameter 6-8 mm).
- Implement a Simple rope‑Haul System
- install two anchor points 10-15 m apart.
- Tie a ‘U‑shaped’ rope and attach seedlings at 30‑cm intervals using biodegradable ties.
- Monitor Growth & Perform Routine Maintenance
- Weekly checks for fouling, breakage, and predator removal (e.g., sea urchins).
- Harvest every 45-60 days once fronds reach 30-45 cm length.
- Explore Value‑Added Processing
- Drying (sun or solar dryer) to produce carrageenan‑grade seaweed.
- Partner with local food‑processing SMEs for snack or condiment production.
environmental Benefits of Seaweed Cultivation
- Carbon Sequestration: Each tonne of dried seaweed captures ~1.5 t CO₂, contributing to Madagascar’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.
- Nutrient Bio‑extraction: Seaweed absorbs excess nitrogen and phosphorus, mitigating eutrophication in nearshore lagoons.
- Habitat Creation: Rope farms provide refuge for juvenile fish and crustaceans, supporting biodiversity recovery.
Policy Support and Funding Opportunities
- Madagascar Aquaculture Advancement Plan (2022‑2027) allocates US $12 million for coastal seaweed projects, with priority for women‑led cooperatives.
- International Funding: The World Bank’s Climate‑Smart Agriculture Grant offers up to US $50,000 per community for pilot seaweed farms.
- Regulatory Incentives: Tax exemption on imported cultivation equipment (customs code 0304) for registered small‑scale fishers transitioning to aquaculture.
future Outlook: Sustainable livelihoods for Madagascar’s Coastal Communities
- Diversification through integrated multi‑trophic aquaculture (IMTA)-combining seaweed, shellfish, and limited fish cages-can maximize resource efficiency while reducing pressure on depleted pelagic stocks.
- Ongoing monitoring programs (e.g., the Madagascar Marine Biodiversity Observatory) will track stock recovery, informing adaptive management and ensuring that fishers have a clear pathway back to sustainable fisheries.
Sources: FAO Fishery and aquaculture Statistics (2024); World Bank Marine Capture Fisheries Report (2023); ministry of Fisheries, Madagascar (2023); IFREMER antongil Bay Survey (2022); WorldFish Seaweed Pilot Evaluation (2023); National Seaweed Seedbank (2022).
