Call for probe to defuse fish stocks row

The Landless People’s Movement has proposed a two-year investigation into Namibia’s ocean fish stocks to enable the government to make informed decisions and stimulate job creation in the fishing sector.

This follows a growing row between workers’ organisations and the government over the reduction of the allowable catch.

During her state of the nation address, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged a general downward trend in key regulated species under the Total Allowable Catch system.

She said recent scientific assessments indicate that several commercially important fish stocks are under strain despite the country’s continued commitment to science-based fisheries management.

According to the president, species such as monkfish are now fully processed locally, while hake processing has reached 80%, with full localisation expected in the near future.

She said the fishing industry remains a critical pillar of Namibia’s economy, contributing 4.1% to gross domestic product, generating N$14.3 billion in export earnings, and supporting more than 21 000 direct jobs.

During her visitto Walvis Bay this week, she said the fishing industry is not what it used to be and warned of pressure on jobs and livelihoods.

In March the Mining, Metal, Maritime and Construction Workers Union confirmed that the allowable horse mackerel catch for the 2026 season is set at 197 000 metric tonnes, down from 208 000 in 2025.

At its press conference yesterday, Landless People’s Movement leader Bernardus Swartbooi proposed an investigation, citing ongoing mistrust between government scientists and those in the fishing industry over “biomass” estimates.

“We are proposing at least a two-year full joint scientific investigation into Namibia’s ocean biomass, involving both government and private scientists, to ensure a shared methodology and findings that all parties can agree on,” he said.

He explained that the initiative aims to support sound policy interventions, strengthen planning, and ensure the sector’s sustainability and economic contribution.

Swartbooi warned that failure to address the disagreement on fishing stocks between the government and the industry risks alienating stakeholders and undermining a sector that is internationally recognised.

He pointed to conflicting estimates of sardine stocks, with the government previously placing the figure at around 850 000, while industry players estimate closer to one million.

Swartbooi stressed the importance of ensuring sustainability, protecting jobs, and maintaining consistent resource availability.

He also raised concerns about the country’s seal population, estimated at between 1.4 million and four million, suggesting that controlled harvesting of seal bulls could help restore balance in ocean biomass.

“When such population levels exist, regardless of the exact figure, it is excessive and must be managed to maintain balance in the marine ecosystem,” he said.

Swartbooi further called for stringent measures to control fishing quotas so that particular companies do not benefit to the exclusion of others.

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