Madagascar: Support and strengthening of environmental regulation and monitoring of cage aquaculture

Project background:

The project is part of the GIZ global program 'Sustainable Aquatic Foods', implemented in several African countries. In Madagascar, cage aquaculture is an emerging practice, concentrated mainly in three regions (Analamanga, Atsinanana, and Itasy), with high potential to strengthen food security. However, the current regulatory framework (notably Decree 3925/2018) is outdated, poorly operational, and inadequately covers key dimensions such as environment, biosecurity, animal health, food safety, and social impact.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy (MPEB) has expressed the need for technical support to update this framework and establish an environmental monitoring protocol adapted to the national reality.
The overall objective is to update the environmental regulatory framework for cage aquaculture (under 500m³) in Madagascar and propose an applicable, realistic, and sustainable monitoring protocol to support the development of this sector.

Objectives:

• Analyse the current regulatory framework and identify its limitations.
• Develop an updated version of the regulation integrating environmental, social, and health dimensions.
• Propose a simple and applicable environmental monitoring protocol.
• Test the protocol in a pilot region.
• Train MPEB staff on implementing the new framework.
• Raise awareness among aquaculture producers about regulations and best practices.
• Support the formal adoption of the framework as a draft ministerial decree.

Activities and/or results:

1. Regulatory Analysis:

• Desk review, stakeholder interviews, and gap analysis against international standards (FAO, ASC, BAP, etc.).

2. Development of the New Regulatory Framework:

• Drafting of a revised regulation tailored to the national context.
• Development of technical specifications and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Integration of environmental parameters, biosecurity, animal health, and medication use.

3. Field Testing:

• Pilot testing of the protocol in a selected region.
• Adjustment of tools and processes based on field feedback.

4. Training and Awareness-Raising:

• Design and delivery of a training module for MPEB staff.
• Organisation of regional awareness workshops for producers.

5. Institutionalization:

• Drafting of a ministerial decree proposal.
• National launch workshop with key stakeholders.