Since 2004, communities in southwest Madagascar have been working with Blue Ventures to successfully manage octopus fisheries, which included the implementation of the first temporary octopus fishery closure. The seven-month closure improved catches and catalyzed community support for broader adoption of fisheries management practices. The success of these initial octopus fishery closures inspired the formation of the Velondriake Association in 2005, uniting communities from Andavadoaka and 24 other surrounding communities to establish Velondriake, the largest locally managed marine area in the Indian Ocean. These closures have been replicated over 150 times throughout the southwest coast of Madagascar, and are being replicated for the first time internationally in Rodrigues, Mauritius.

What makes it bright?

• Temporary closures increase the health of octopus populations
• Ability to be scaled and replicated domestically and internationally
• Focus on alternative livelihoods as well as the role of women

Country: Madagascar
Focal Point: Roger Samba, Velondriake, www.velondriake.org; Alasdair Harris, Blue Ventures, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHOTO: Establishing the LMMA, Garth Cripps, Blue Ventures