Common Name
Day Octopus
Scientific Name
Octopus cyanea
Renowned for its exceptional marine and coastal biodiversity, southwest Madagascar is also home to a rapidly increasing population, experiencing very high levels of poverty. Coastal communities in the region are highly dependent on marine fisheries for subsistence and income, as well as being extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and of competition with foreign fishing vessels. In this context, delivering sustainable fisheries management has never been more important.
Octopus fishing is a crucial livelihood for the Vezo coastal communities, particularly women, for whom there are few other ways of earning money. Most octopus is sold to village middlemen and ultimately exported to foreign markets by two principal seafood export companies. The fishery is a key driver of economic activity and is of critical importance in the region.
This FIP, representing the first of its kind in Madagascar, aims to encourage responsible use of the local octopus population, securing long-term economic benefits for communities and businesses, and accessing global markets interested in high quality, responsibly sourced octopus.
| 29% | 71% |
| 33% |
| Behind | On Track | Complete | Future |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25% | 42% | 33% | 0% |
In creating a robust and sustainable management framework, the FIP will ensure that:
Good management stewardship and husbandry of the octopus resource is the status quo
The octopus resource remains a stable and productive driver of food and income for generations to come.
Monitoring of secondary species, ETP species, and key octopus habitats improves decision making and leads to better management of the ecosystem as a whole
Positively improved catch handling and fishery interactions with the supply chain are developed
The fishery products are linked to more rewarding markets, ensuring that communities are given a fairer price for their catch
The value of the product is maximized, bringing more money into the community for much-needed amenities and more income to fishing families to drive a higher standard of life.
By January 2026 we expect the fishery to have achieved the above objectives and reached a score of 80 or above for each of the performance indicators measured in the pre-assessment