The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has set aside almost 70 000 tonnes of the 197 000 tonne horse mackerel total-allowable catch (TAC) for governmental objectives.
The ministry last week also confirmed that no reserve quota was set aside for the 2026 fishing season.
According to the ministry, the non-commercial quota is allocated in line with Cabinet decision 22nd/12.12.24/005 for the 2024/25 to 2026/27 medium-term expenditure framework period.
The quota is intended to advance national priorities including food security programmes, health infrastructure, housing infrastructure, youth development programmes and employment sustenance.
“The total non-commercial harvesting quota for the 2026 season is at 69 706.01 metric tonnes (MT), which constitutes 35% of the TAC freezer: 59 186.22 MT and wet: 10 519.79 MT,” the ministry said.
It said the allocation is grounded in law, citing section 3(3) of the Marine Resources Act, which allows the state to harvest marine resources to advance socio-economic, cultural or other governmental objectives in the public interest, through an entity or person designated by the minister in Cabinet direction.
“This structured allocation reflects the government’s commitment to utilising Namibia’s marine resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the nation’s developmental agenda,” the ministry said.
The disclosure comes after criticism over the delayed public announcement of the horse mackerel TAC when the fishing season started on 1 January.
The ministry later confirmed that the 2026 TAC was set at 197 000 tonnes, a 5% reduction from the 208 000 tonnes approved for 2025.
“This 5% decrease is a proactive and precautionary management decision, reflecting our commitment to responsive and science-based fishery management to ensure the stock’s long-term health,” the ministry previously said.
It has also stated that the latest scientific survey estimates the horse mackerel biomass at 784 011 tonnes, noting that while the stock remains within sustainable biological limits, a recent decline required a cautious management response.
On reporting, the ministry said the fishing season runs from 1 January to 31 December and that right holders are required to submit monthly landings returns by the seventh of each month.
“This means that January 2026 landings will only be available from 7 February 2026,” it said.
The ministry reiterated that it “remains committed to transparency, lawful governance, and the sustainable management of Namibia’s marine resources.”
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