Stefanus Nashama
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, announced that significant changes have occurred in Namibia’s fishing sector, with 95 percent of fishing rights now held by Namibians.
Klazen also highlighted the positive developments in the fishing industry, emphasizing its contributions to employment, value addition, fleet expansion, processing plants, investments, regional development, and corporate social responsibility for broader societal benefit.
These remarks were made yesterday, with Klazen underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to reforming fish stock management and treating the fishery sector as a national asset. This includes sound management of fish stocks and promoting domestic employment and processing within the sector.
The latest estimate from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) in 2022 reveals that the fishing industry’s value has exceeded N$20 billion. Furthermore, the sector has provided employment to approximately 18,000 individuals, contributing 4.5 percent to Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting for over 14 percent of export earnings.
Klazen emphasized, “These numbers indicate that the fishery sector remains a significant contributor to economic growth, job creation, nutrition, and foreign exchange earnings in Namibia.”
He also disclosed that the Ministry has allocated a total allowable catch for six commercially exploited species in the 2023 fishing season, including Hake, Monkfish, Horse Mackerel, Seals, Crab, and Rock Lobster, following a Cabinet decision.
However, Klazen noted that no total allowable catch has been allocated for Pilchard due to its unhealthy stock recorded earlier this year.
The Ministry also demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by donating 2.5 tons of freshwater fish to flood-affected communities in the Omusati, Oshana, and Ohangwena regions in March, through the Office of the Prime Minister.
In terms of employment, the ministry has engaged 1220 workers under the Government Employment Redressing Programme, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation.
Regarding the unhealthy Pilchard stock, the Ministry is working in collaboration with the University of Namibia to conduct experimental research on the fishing industry.
Klazen concluded by mentioning that the ministry conducts annual engagements with stakeholders to address issues in the fishing sector, with the aim of ensuring sustainable fisheries management.
