UNDERSTANDING BRIDGES CO-CONSTRUCTION
Mission to Mayotte: Understanding the challenges of fishing and maritime management
A field trip to gain a better understanding of local dynamics
In October 2024, Tarik Dahou and Georgeta Stoica were in Mayotte. The main aim of this mission was to understand local fishing practices, socio-economic issues and the main problems facing fishermen. It consisted of interviews at various fishing sites with stakeholders and representatives of small-scale fishing cooperatives.
By working with local institutions, fishermen and researchers, BRIDGES is seeking to provide analytical elements for better management of marine resources, taking into account both scientific and local knowledge.
Fishing in Mayotte: a diverse sector under pressure
Mayotte has a wide variety of fishing practices, ranging from traditional fishing on foot, mainly for self-consumption, to small-scale motorised fishing and industrial fishing. Landings are made at several key sites such as Labattoir and Mtsapere, with short sales channels aimed almost exclusively at local markets.
The techniques used include line fishing, seining for small pelagics and net fishing. Deep-sea fishing remains little developed, although the authorities are trying to encourage fishermen to move away from the lagoon in order to preserve the reef ecosystems.
Despite a long history of fishing activity scattered along all the coasts, Mayotte still imports fish to meet local food demand. In addition, agreements allow tuna vessels from the Seychelles and purse seiners from Mauritius to fish in Mayotte’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), raising questions about the fair management of resources. The regulations, which are often perceived as restrictive by fishermen with limited means of investment, and the lack of recognition of local knowledge and small-scale fishing practices accentuate the tensions between authorities and users.
The Mayotte Marine Nature Park: a central but contested stakeholder
Created in 2010, the Mayotte Marine Nature Park (PNMM) covers an area of 70,000 km², including the entire EEZ. Managed by the French Biodiversity Agency, its mission is to protect marine biodiversity, monitor ecosystems and reconcile conservation with human activities.
Despite these objectives, the park faces a number of challenges. Local fishermen often denounce a lack of consideration for their realities and perceive certain regulations as not adapted to their activity. The lack of a co-management agreement and the predominance of a top-down approach to decision-making create recurring tensions. In addition, the high turnover among park staff is detrimental to the continuity of the actions undertaken.
The PNMM does, however, play a key role in the scientific monitoring of fish stocks, in collaboration with Ifremer, and is involved in fisheries management and control. A specific committee for fisheries is envisaged, marking a move towards taking greater account of the various stakeholders.
Issues and tensions surrounding fishing
Mayotte fishing faces a number of challenges, including competition from recreational fishing, whose practices are sometimes similar to those of commercial fishing. In addition, the standardisation and professionalisation of small-scale fishing poses a number of challenges. Despite the European aid available to modernise the fleet, many stakeholders are finding it difficult to adapt to technical changes and new administrative and financial requirements. Future developments, such as new landing zones, are also causing tensions between villages, as each wishes to benefit from these infrastructures.
Impact of the recent crisis on fishing
Cyclone Chido in December 2024 had a major impact on Mayotte’s fishing industry. Fishermen lost their boats and their means of subsistence, exacerbating the precarious situation of this community. The destruction of key infrastructure has disrupted the fish supply chain, while the increase in food demand as a result of agricultural disruption could intensify the pressure on local fish stocks.
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