THE acquisition of the ‘Liafjell’ to United Fishing Enterprises’ (UFE) pelagic fleet indicates that better times for the struggling pilchard industry may be ahead.
Chairman of the pelagic association, Willem Pronk (who played a crucial role in getting the N$45-million vessel), said pilchard fishing has gone through difficult years because of a dwindling biomass, which consequently delivered small quotas that were not economically viable in the end. In fact, because of this lean time, fleets had to be significantly reduced and workers laid off just so companies could keep their heads above water.The wind has changed to a favourable direction since 2010, with better quantity and quality catches, according to Pronk. With this came an increased total allowable catch, justifying the need for a new vessel.’We are confident that the pilchard resource is recovering. There is more fish over a wider area and we believe it will continue to grow,’ said Pronk.About 2 100 people are employed in the pelagic (pilchard and horse mackerel) industry, and the two main players are UFE and Etosha Fishing Enterprises – both based in Walvis Bay.The newly acquired vessel, although a ten year-old model built in Sweden, will use the same principles in its catching method. It has a lifespan of 25 years.’Our intention is purely to modernise and improve our operational efficiency in order to produce a superior quality product,’ UFE Managing Director, Richard Ahrens said. ‘Important features like advanced fish pumps and cooling facilities will make it possible for us to get the most out of our allocated quota,’ he added.Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernhard Esau, said the investment will contribute to the safety of workers and better production.According to him, fisheries’ fleets have had to undergo a period of renovation with several vessels being old and necessary to be replaced.The need for such a change was not only linked to operational safety, but also operational costs. Newer vessels will cost less to maintain and be more fuel efficient.Esau said that the bounce-back of the pilchard biomass had to do with ‘good management and good cooperation between all the stakeholders’.’We need to continue to manage the resource cautiously for current and future generations, and by doing so, we will also be able to increase export revenue, and work, and ultimately enhance the living standards of our people,’ he said.The vessel has been registered in Namibia, and will in due course be given a Namibian name.
