In the Toliara region (south-west of Madagascar), the fishery is a traditional activity.
In 1996, the number of fishermen in the region of Toliara was 3 702 with 153 originating from the village of Ankilibe (there were 10 collectors in that village in 1996 and 9 in 2002).
The general objective of the research project is to build a holothurian hatchery and farm in the region of Toliara, and to train Malagasy students to the aquaculture techniques related to holothurian growth.