Efforts to combat marine pollution and abandoned fishing gear are intensifying. The Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy (MPEB) received Aloys Nizigiyimana, interim FAO representative to Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, to discuss the matter. The meeting reviewed progress on a project aimed at strengthening the management of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear in the western Indian Ocean. These equipment constitute a major source of what specialists call "ghost fishing," when they continue to capture fish and other marine species uncontrollably after being lost or abandoned. The project seeks to reduce marine pollution while strengthening the capacity of fishing organizations. It specifically aims to improve the collection, treatment, recovery and sustainable reuse of the equipment involved. The objective is twofold: preserve marine resources and help maintain a cleaner marine environment in this part of the Indian Ocean. During discussions, the minister reaffirmed MPEB's commitment to supporting project implementation so that actions produce concrete results benefiting fishers and coastal communities. This FAO cooperation also reflects Madagascar's commitment to promoting a blue economy that reconciles sustainable resource exploitation, marine ecosystem protection and improved livelihoods. The project is funded by the Japanese embassy.