Madagascar strengthens its commitment against illegal fishing with the official adoption of the PAN-INN (2025-2029)

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a major issue for oceans and the economies of many countries, particularly in Southern Africa. This phenomenon not only harms marine biodiversity but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of coastal communities and weakens local economies. In response to this growing threat, the member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have taken decisive steps to strengthen their regional cooperation and combat IUU fishing. One of the flagship initiatives in this fight is the establishment of the Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Fisheries Coordination Centre (MCSCC), created to coordinate the efforts of SADC countries in this crucial area.

In this context, Madagascar took a significant step by joining the MCSCC in 2022, becoming the 10th member state of this organization. By joining this structure, Madagascar commits to intensifying its efforts to combat illegal fishing and promote sustainable fishing practices. Madagascar's membership in the MCSCC is accompanied by the development of the National Action Plan (PAN-INN) 2025-2029, a strategic document that outlines the actions to be implemented to combat illegal fishing and improve fisheries management in the country. This plan includes a range of measures aimed at strengthening monitoring mechanisms, improving sector transparency, and ensuring that fishing practices comply with international standards. The PAN-INN also emphasizes cooperation with other SADC countries for the shared management of marine resources and collective surveillance of fishing activities. As an active member of the MCSCC, Madagascar will contribute to the implementation of these actions at both national and regional levels, aiming to protect the oceans and the communities that depend on them.

“The official adoption of this instrument, the PAN-INN, marks a very important step for Madagascar in the fight against IUU fishing. This scourge threatens the sustainability of the ocean and has detrimental consequences for the country's economy as well as the livelihoods of coastal communities. This document, which considers all categories of fishing, presents tangible strategies and shows that there are opportunities for action through new technologies, scientific data acquisition, the establishment and enforcement of regulations, and regional and international cooperation, which can reverse the trend,” says Lalaina Rakotonaivo from WWF Madagascar.

On April 7, 2025, in Antananarivo, a dialogue session brought together national and regional stakeholders, including SADC experts and representatives from partner NGOs such as WWF, Stop Illegal Fishing, and FITSINJO. The event aimed to discuss the National Action Plan (PAN-INN) 2025-2029 and concrete actions to strengthen the fight against illegal fishing. Mr. Paubert Mahatante, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, opened the session, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and the role of the MCSCC. Participants exchanged views on measures to improve fisheries governance and strengthen control mechanisms, particularly through the use of advanced technologies to monitor fishing activities in real time. The event emphasized that regional cooperation and the implementation of the PAN-INN are crucial to ensure the sustainability of marine resources and enhance fisheries management in Southern Africa.

“The launch of this action plan against IUU fishing sets a benchmark for its implementation. We continue to rely on our partnerships, and Madagascar is therefore ready to intensify the fight against these scourges,” says the Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy.

The National Action Plan (PAN-INN) 2025-2029 offers Madagascar an opportunity to fight illegal fishing and ensure the sustainable management of marine resources. This plan, aligned with the objectives of the MCSCC, emphasizes transparency, the improvement of surveillance mechanisms, and regional cooperation. It provides a crucial framework to strengthen actions against IUU fishing and ensure the long-term preservation of the oceans.