Recherche en Sciences Marines et Halieutiques à Madagascar : les leçons tirées de 60 ans d’expériences et Agenda pour la décennie des océans 2021-2030

Abstract

Since 1949, the overall objective of research in marine and halieutic sciences is to contribute to
the socio-economic and environmental development of Madagascar. However, no retrospective
analysis for a better orientation of this component has been undertaken, although it is essential
to valorize and validate the quality of scientific productions. The objective of this study is to
provide a retrospective evaluation the researches that have been undertaken. So, the approach
focuses on the analysis of research since 1961 and on surveys of different stakeholders and
institutions operating in marine and halieutic research. It has helped to bring out the low
financial capacity of Madagascar for this research (0,013% of GDP in 2017). This lack of
funding is one of the parameters that slows down the country’s research, accentuated by the
lack of researchers and equipment. In addition, the data collected show that fisheries are the
most studied (108 Masters and 12 PhD thesis), followed by biodiversity (84 Masters and
11 PhD thesis) and aquaculture (64 Masters and 9 PhD thesis). Atsimo Andrefana is the most
studied area with 121 Masters and 26 PhD thesis in total. Most of the researches that have been
undertaken depended mostly on external funding in the last 60 years. In short, the research in
marine and halieutic sciences effort is mainly concentrated on fisheries. Broadly speaking,
scientific production tends to follow the priorities dictated by funding opportunities. Towards
2030, the results of this studies encourage us to continue the pursue aquaculture studies either
in marine or in freshwater environment, and to develop studies such as stock assessment and
conservation. Furthermore, the Malagasy east cost is not enough investigated.