Renthia Kaimbi
Fishing industry stakeholders say a shortage of Namibian seafarers in the crab sector is putting operations at risk.
The issue was raised during a meeting with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday at the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay.
Industry representatives said there is a growing gap in qualified local officers and engineers on crab vessels.
They said many trained Namibians are moving to jobs in oil and gas and cargo shipping.
To address the shortage, stakeholders proposed closer coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.
They said this would help speed up work permits for foreign crew while local skills are developed.
The meeting also focused on red crab by-catch in the hake sector.
The Namibian Hake Association (NHA) said hake vessels often catch small amounts of crab but do not have the capacity to process it.
Operators said they prefer to release live crab back into the sea to improve survival.
This practice was stopped in 2023 by the Fisheries Observer Agency (FOA).
Industry players said they asked the ministry in July 2023 and again in November 2023 for permission to resume releasing live crabs but received no response.
They said a workshop promised in September 2025 has not yet taken place.
Stakeholders also raised concerns about a proposed 2% by-catch limit.
They said this level is not practical, as historical data shows higher by-catch rates across most subsectors.
They warned that enforcing the limit could disrupt operations and affect parts of the industry.
Stakeholders called for more engagement with the ministry to find workable solutions. They asked for a dedicated workshop to align regulations with industry conditions.
They also called for more transparency. Proposals include publishing quota allocations, harvesting rights and by-catch data.
Industry representatives said regular meetings between government and the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations would improve communication.
The reduction in total allowable catch for red crab also raised concerns. Stakeholders questioned the data used, saying catch records show stable stock levels.
They called on authorities to share the data behind the decision and to work with the industry’s scientific group.
At the same time, operators said by-catch by trawlers has increased, in some cases above the 5% limit.
They said vessels are no longer allowed to release unwanted crab at sea and must discard it at port, leading to waste.
The industry has renewed its call to allow the release of live crab, saying it improves survival and supports sustainability.
