Economy, Forestry and Fishing

In 2000 some 10.4 million cu m (366 million cu ft) of timber was cut, most of it for local use as fuel. Efforts are underway to increase wood supplies by reforesting eroded upland areas. The fishing industry is expanding, and shrimps and lobsters have become a significant source of export revenue. The fish catch in 1997 was 124,973 metric tons, about one-third of which was taken from inland waters. Madagascar allows other countries to fish in its exclusive maritime zone in exchange for compensation.