7.1 The Government of Madagascar indicated great interest in developing its brackishwater aquaculture; the country has high potential for increased fish production in this field, but it lacks expertise in this aspect of aquaculture.
7.2 Through the FAO/UNDP Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture Project (MAG/76/002), a consultancy was mounted to select suitable sites, and design and recommend production management programme for a brackishwater aquaculture centre.
7.3 Pre-determined mangrove swampland sites in Diego Suarez in the north coast and Majunga in the northwest coast were visited to evaluate their relative suitabilities for this development.
7.4 Based on various criteria for the evaluation of site suitability as applicable to Madagascar conditions, it was determined that Site III in Diego Suarez appears to be the most suitable site for the development of the country's brackishwater aquaculture centre. Site IV in the same vicinity appears to be next best suitable and can be used for further expansion if desired. Sites I and II in Diego Suarez and Sites A and B in Majunga, while still feasible for development, are less suitable so that their development can be postponed until some technology is developed in the country.
7.5 This consultant proceeded to develop a detailed design for Site III (Diego Suarez) as Phase I development (11 ha) of named centre. Possibilities of expansion of this centre utilizing the nearby Site IV (80 ha in total) is pointed out as possible Phase II development.
7.6 The Phase I design takes into consideration the lack of systematic collection of cultivable fish and shrimp fry, as well as elevation of the site, nature of soil, vegetation, water supply and climatic and tidal conditions.
7.7 As there is no skilled manpower for fishpond construction in the country, utilization of mechanized construction through the established solar salt firm sited in the same general area is recommended.
7.8 Based on the planned design for development, the possible methods of production management which can be used are described. Milkfish and mullets of the finfish and various species of cultivable penaeid shrimps have been listed as possible species for cultivation in the centre ponds.
7.9 As pointed out, there is no established practice of collection for cultivable fry for aquaculture in the country. Since the seed problem is very essential in the development of this industry, a countrywide systematic survey of available seed fish is recommended.
7.10 Since there is lack of expertise in the management of brackishwater farms within the country, an initial training programme to train the key staff of the proposed centre who could later become trainors in this fiels is also recommended.
