Fishing industry raises alarm over by-catch limits

The fishing industry has voiced deep concern over the Cabinet’s recent decision to impose a 2% cap on by-catch, warning that the measure could cripple operations, increase costs, and threaten jobs if implemented without sector-specific consultations.

Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations chairperson Matti Amukwa, speaking at the launch of the 13th National Fish Consumption Day at Walvis Bay on Friday, said the directive was announced “in lightning speed” through the media without prior consultation or clarity on its scope.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has in recent months intensified measures aimed at ensuring sustainable harvesting of Namibia’s marine resources.

Among these was the Cabinet’s directive to cap by-catch at 2% across all sectors, a move the government argued was necessary to protect fish stocks for future generations.

“From the initial press statement, we can already confirm that the intended measures will paralyse vessels, significantly increase costs, and very negatively affect employment. When the government threatens the industry, it is also threatening employment,” Amukwa stressed.

By-catch refers to the unintentional capture of non-target species during fishing.

Amukwa argued that by-catch levels vary between sectors and seasons, making a blanket 2% cap impractical.
“There cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. We implore the ministry to consult the individual sectors to determine a by-catch percentage which suits that industry,” he added.

He further criticised the government for prioritising by-catch controls while allegedly neglecting more serious threats such as illegal fishing along Namibia’s northern borders and vessels operating within the 200-metre isobath “under the guise of research”.

“These two issues are far worse than the by-catch issue. If I can borrow from [president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s] vocabulary when referring to corruption, they amount to high treason and must be stopped urgently,” Amukwa said.

He also questioned the recent Cabinet approval of a 10 000 metric tonne total allowable catch for pilchard, despite the species being under moratorium for years.
“We do not know when the moratorium was lifted, or to whom these quotas will be allocated since all the pilchard rights have expired,” he said.

Amukwa, meanwhile, appealed for constructive engagement among the ministry and captains of industry.

– Nampa

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