IPC demands suspension of protected zone fishing

The Independent Patriots for Change has called for the immediate suspension of the Cabinet’s decision to allow commercial fishing within the 150m to 200m isobath (ocean depth) zone.

The party in a media statement on Wednesday says the directive threatens protected marine breeding areas and raises serious governance concerns.

It says the approved fishing activity covers areas widely regarded as breeding and nursery grounds for fish stocks along Namibia’s coast.

The statement was issued by Michael Mulunga, the party’s shadow shadow minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform.
Mulunga says the decision should be halted and reviewed.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms any Cabinet decision that permits unsustainable commercial fishing practices within protected breeding and nursery zones,” he says.

He says decisions affecting marine resources must be based on science and not other considerations.

“Decisions of this magnitude must be driven by science, transparency and equity. They must not be shaped by secrecy or selective benefit,” Mulunga says.

He says the timing of the decision is of concern, given public statements on the state of fish stocks in Namibian waters.

Mulunga says opening up the 150m to 200m isobath zone could affect long-term sustainability in the sector.

He also raises concern about how the decision was made and whether scientific and stakeholder input was fully considered.

“This decision appears to have been taken without the full knowledge, input or endorsement of the ministry’s own marine scientists and without meaningful consultation with key industry stakeholders,” he says.

Mulunga further questions how companies were granted access to the area, calling for transparency on the selection process.

He says there are concerns in parts of the industry about the compliance history of some of the entities involved.

“We are particularly troubled by credible industry reports claiming that the entities selectively authorised to access these ecologically sensitive zones include companies with questionable compliance records and alleged links to political interests,” he says.

The IPC says Namibia’s marine resources are a national asset and should be managed in the interest of all citizens.

The party calls for the immediate suspension of all fishing permissions granted in the 150m to 200m isobath zone, pending a full review of the decision.

It also demands full disclosure of all companies operating in the area, as well as the criteria used to approve their access and the officials involved in the process.

Mulunga further calls for an independent investigation into the Cabinet decision and the processes that led to it, including whether proper scientific procedures were followed.

“The ocean does not belong to a Cabinet meeting. It belongs to Namibia,” he says.

The 200m isobath has for years been used as a fisheries management measure along Namibia’s coast to protect breeding and nursery areas, although it has not been formally incorporated into law.

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