Since the early 1970s, Fort Dauphin suffered an economic decline due to lack of good road connections to the rest of the country, rendering its port of local importance only. This in spite of significant foreign exchange earned from the export of live lobster (250 to over 350 tonnes per year from 1990 to 2005),Sabatini, Gino et al. (2008). A review of the Spiny Lobster fishery in the Tolagnaro (Fort-Dauphin) region. and sapphires.Darbellay, Alain. (2009). The story of the first Madagascar sapphire – Andranondambo.
