Madagascar
 Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, lies off
the south east coast of Africa. It has a population of about
18 million, 44% under fourteen years of age. With 5,603 km of coastline,
six operational ports and
abundant natural resources, including shrimps or “pink
gold”, Madagascar has the potential for economic
predominance in sea-fishing and the merchant marine. Despite
this, it is classified among the five poorest countries in
the world.
Traditional
fishing is a way of life in Madagascar. Apostleship of the
Sea (AOS) works with the
fishing communities whose livelihood is threatened by
globalisation. An estimated 100,000 traditional fishers live and work in
1,250 coastal communities in Madagascar. This population is
growing in number. In southern and mid-western parts of the
Island, agriculture is practically non-existent. Fishing is
the only means of survival.
Traditional fishers use wooden dug-outs called pirogues
and nets. Pirogues are powered by oars. Some fishers have
small motorboats of less than 50 CV. In Madagascar, this
type of fishing is considered artisanal fishing. Traditional
and artisanal fishers work at a distance of no more than
10km from the coast. This small-scale fishing supplies 70%
of the national fish consumption.
Among coastal communities being “a fisher” is a statement
of natural identity and not just a profession. Young
children are taken out in pirogues to learn the family
craft. And yet traditional fishing is still classified as an
“informal sector”, its practitioners are “persons without
profession”. Without recognition of their craft, traditional
fishers do not benefit from subsidies or public
infrastructure.
Industrial fishing, using boats of more than 50CV, poses
a threat to coastal communities. National industrial fishing
is concentrated on shrimp in coastal areas and further
shrimp and other catches in deeper waters. It is officially
acknowledged that most of the national shrimp catch comes
from within the 4km coastal zone.
It is also acknowledged that national industrial fishing
produces 30,000 tons of “by catch” every year. “By catch” is
the name for the rejected catch which is thrown back, dead
and useless, to the sea. This depletes the resources
available to traditional fishers who do not have the option
of moving to new waters.
The challenge of globalisation
In deeper waters, beyond 12 nautical miles from the
coast, industrial fishing boats carry radars, sonars and
echo sounders. Such sophisticated equipment is used all
around the world. But it is especially prevalent in the
economic exclusion zones of developing countries. These
enter into agreements which allow affluent countries to
exploit their fish stocks.
Madagascar is one of 22 countries which has a bilateral
fishing agreement with the European Union. According to the
European Union, these are reciprocal arrangements:
With other countries, in particular African and Indian
Ocean countries and Greenland, which do not fully exploit
their fishery resources, the Community pays a financial
contribution for access to their fishing zones and
establishes targeted actions with the partners with a view
to supporting their fisheries sector and contributing to
sustainable fisheries in their waters.
European Union, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs 4.2
Fishing is one of the most international economic
sectors. The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing
offers some protection of the rights of traditional fishers,
for example priority access to resources and fishing zones.
Various regional bodies exist to implement these agreements.
The challenge for the traditional fishing communities of
Madagascar is making their voices heard.
Félix Randrianasoavina, the National Director of the
Apostleship of the Sea in Madagascar says:
“To bring new ideas to ancient, traditional fishing,
improving working conditions and promoting human welfare:
these are the priorities for Madagascar, a country on the
road to development. But these are not the priorities of
globalisation.”
History of AOS Madagascar
 The work of AOS Madagascar began with traditional fishers
in Toamasina (formerly Tamatave) Madagascar’s largest port.
In 1973 Fr François Le Gall was appointed Chaplain to the
People of the Sea. He worked among traditional fishers,
helping them to form an association. This led to the
establishment of the first Apostleship of the Sea Centre in
Madagascar.
AOS Madagascar wanted traditional fishers to understand
both their importance and their responsibilities: at sea, in
the family and in society. There were meeting at the
Apostleship of the Sea Centre and home visits; and AOS
pastoral workers went down to the Toamasina beach to talk to
the fishers as they put out or returned in their pirogues.
Gradually the work of AOS Madagascar expanded to include
the commercial and industrial fishing sectors. Together with
partner organisations, such as the French Comité Catholique
contre le Faim et pour le Développement, AOS Madagascar was
instrumental in developing maritime associations and
collectives.
AOS Madagascar today
AOS Madagascar continues to work with all sections of the
Madagascan maritime community. Professional support includes
- facilitating co-operation with unions and professional
bodies
- intervening with shipowners and port authorities in
disputes
- offering professional training
Many of those who have benefitted from the training
offered by AOS go on to become officers in the merchant
marine. For some, bursaries have been procured for more
advanced studies in Europe. Work among traditional fishing communities continues to
be central to AOS Madagascar. Support for such communities
includes:
- identifying and training community leaders
- facilitating participation in national and international
conferences
AOS Madagascar also works with the wives of fishers,
encouraging them to form associations. Advice and support
are given to fishers’ wives who make their living by selling
fishing produce. For the children of the fishing
communities, AOS Madagascar offers activities and, more
importantly, schooling.
Spiritual development of fishers
There is no evangelisation that does not include human
development. These were the words of Fr Le Gall at the founding of AOS
Madagascar in 1973.
A final reflection from Félix Randrianasoavina, current
National Director of AOS Madagascar: Perhaps it is because of the deep spiritual quality of
traditional fishermen that Christ built His Church by
choosing His first apostles from among fishermen.
Photograph: Children of traditional fishers receive
schooling from AOS Madagascar. |