Seas and Oceans Surrounding Madagascar

Madagascar (world's 4th largest island, 587,000 km²) sits in the Indian Ocean, separated from mainland Africa by the Mozambique Channel.

Primary Water Bodies

• Indian Ocean – Entire east, south, and west coasts (west via Mozambique Channel).
• Mozambique Channel – 400–900 km wide strait between Madagascar and Mozambique. Depth to 3,292 m. Major shipping lane; rich fisheries; cyclone corridor.

Maritime Neighbors

• West/Northwest: Comoros (Anjouan, Mohéli, Grande Comore), Mayotte (French dept).
• Northeast: Seychelles (outer islands ~1,000 km).
• East: Mauritius, Réunion (French dept) ~800 km.
• South: Southern Ocean influence (subtropical convergence).
• West (mainland): Mozambique, Tanzania (far north), South Africa (far southwest).

Oceanographic Context

• South Equatorial Current splits at Madagascar: North Madagascar Current (northwest) and East Madagascar Current (southwest).
• Upwelling cells on south/southwest coast support fisheries.
• Cyclone season: Nov–Apr; 1–3 landfalls/year avg.

Madagascar's isolation (88 Myr since India separation) created 90% endemic species—a direct result of its oceanic surround.