A new survey to estimate the total biomass of pilchards in Namibian waters conducted in March this year revealed that pilchard stocks stood at around 106 000 tonnes, up from 61 000 tonnes last October.

"Despite biomass increase, the pilchard fish stock is still in a critical condition, when compared to historical levels," the latest Cabinet briefing paper stated.

Cabinet further approved a management plan for the pilchard sector, which will lead to the long-term sustainability of the pilchard stock.

The plan, according to the Cabinet briefing paper, includes limiting pilchard by-catches in all other fishing industries to no more than three per cent of total landings.

Areas where more than this percentage is caught must be closed immediately by the fisheries inspectors.

Fisheries observers must be on board each vessel on all trips to catch pilchards and the ban of trawling within 200-metre depth by the hake, monk and mid-water fleets must also be strictly enforced.

Angola and Namibia will conduct joint research on pilchard stocks shared by both countries.

The Minister of Fisheries, Dr Abraham Iyambo, will inform all pilchard quota holders about the pilchard management plan and its measures before fishing starts in the next few weeks.

The pilchard TAC for 2006 was 25 000 tonnes but dwindling stocks resulted in a reduction of 10 000 tonnes for 2007 and 2008.

If this year's full pilchard TAC is caught, the Ministry could rake in N$1,65 million through quota fees from rights holders.

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