Length‐Based Assessment of the Seven Most Commonly Caught Coral Reef Fish Species to Support Improve Management of Small‐Scale Fisheries in Southwest Madagascar

ABSTRACT The status of most fish stocks in Madagascar remains poorly documented. Given their importance for food security and livelihoods, it is necessary to define management measures with reliable data. This study applied a length‐based Bayesian biomass (LBB) estimation method for analysing the fisheries' representative length‐frequency data of seven most commonly caught coral reef fish species in the southwest of Madagascar. Using Froese's indicators, the use of as a stock status indicator, allows a consistent comparison among species in multi‐gear, multi‐species fisheries and provides a practical basis for management advice in data‐limited contexts. The stock status was determined based on median estimates for the period 2018–2023, which provide an assessment of the overall status. Estimates for 2023 were used to describe the most recent status of the stocks. The outputs of this study provide a guide for fisheries managers, coastal communities and authorities to formulate effective management strategies for the sustainability of the marine fisheries in Madagascar. A key recommendation from the study is the need for fisheries managers to improve fisheries data and to periodically monitor biological indicators to assess the status of small‐scale fisheries stocks.