Daniel RABERINARY
Institut Halieutique des Sciences Marines
raberinary@gmail.com
Abstract
In the southwest of Madagascar, three species of octopus are identified; O. aegina (97%), O. macropus (6%) and O. cyanea (1%). The fishing technique is still remains traditional in Madagascar despite the existence of tests on the octopus pot. In the Southwest of Madagascar; three techniques have been practiced until now including gleaning fishing, diving fishing using a snorkeling, fishing with canoe. The lifespan of the female Octopus cyanea was estimated at 12 to 15 months after settlement. It is easier to begin the experience of temporarily closure with an Octopus cyanea because this species grows quickly and is sedentary. The principle of approach initiated by the NGO Blueventure in Andavadoak since 2005 is scrolling up in order to avoid a confusion with the community. Instead of directly closing a site for all species, the NGO Bluevetures with the support of IH.SM scientists had chosed to start the experiment with a single species and in a single village before hoping the propagation to the others villages and with several species.
The temporary closure depends on the community decision, not only on the period and on the duration but also on the mode of surveillance. We had to consult each category of people before making the final decision. In practice, the surface area of the site to be closed is approximately 32% to 30% of the total surface of the villages fishing area. The management of this temporary closure is carried out by the local low “Dina” which is most adopted with fishermen. Fishermen believe that the regulations in force on the national closure and the minimum catch size will not be respected.
The Dina was developed by community members and ratified in a court of law to become legally binding. The enforcement hierarchy was started at village level, with higher levels involved if local enforcement fails.
According to the analysis of the results on the catch before and after closure, we noticed the increase in capture especially during the first week of opening before resuming the usual situation. Currently several villages in the Southwestern and North of Madagascar have followed this experience, in addition to other countries such as Comoros. However, extremely high levels of fishing effort on opening days meant that these biological effects did not translate into increased weight of octopus caught by successful fisher over the opening tide. The best method with community is the scrolling up rather than top down.
Presentation Power Point
