The protection of marine resources does not stop at the seashore; it also extends to market stalls. In the northern capital, agents from the Regional Directorate of Fisheries and the Blue Economy have taken direct action by meeting with seafood traders to raise awareness about the closure of lobster and crab fishing.
The choice of this market is strategic. As a major hub for seafood trade, it gathers a large number of sellers and buyers daily, making it an ideal location to disseminate regulatory guidelines and hold all industry stakeholders accountable.
The message is clear: the biological truce must be respected by everyone. While fishermen are directly affected by the restrictions, traders also share responsibility in preserving marine species. Commercialization cannot be separated from the efforts made to protect fishery resources.
At the heart of this campaign are two essential measures. Lobster fishing is prohibited from October 1 to December 31, 2026, while the crab fishing closure runs from October 16 to December 15, 2026. These provisions also apply to the collection, marketing, and transport of the affected products during the closure periods.
These periods are not merely administrative formalities; they are designed to allow the species to reproduce and replenish their populations. Without this biological pause, fishing pressure risks further weakening stocks and ultimately compromising the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them.
When demand and trade continue to exert pressure on species during their closed season, conservation efforts lose their effectiveness. “During our visit to the market, we noticed that some stalls were still selling crabs despite the closure. After reminding them and explaining the measures in force, the traders involved agreed to stop this activity,” emphasized Emilien Ranajason, Regional Director of Fisheries and the Blue Economy.
In Antsiranana, this awareness campaign aims to turn collective responsibility into a bulwark against overexploitation.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-23 06:23:45 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/antsiranana-la-treve-biologique-de-la.html