Strategic plan for fisheries adopted

A FIVE-YEAR strategic plan for the fishing industry was launched at Swakopmund on Thursday.

The aim of the document is to improve the management of the fishing sector strategically involving all stakeholders – from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and scientists and researchers in the field, to the fishing companies, workers and unions as well as relevant local and regional authorities.’It must be a living document; not just a formal gesture to be shelved and to gather dust. The Namibian people must hold us accountable to what we have put into this document. We need to apply what we have planned and remain committed to the cause,’ Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Abraham Iyambo said.Priority areas stipulated in the plan include improved management of the industry, capacity building, maximum utilisation and conservation of marine resources, job creation, aquaculture development, workforce motivation and creating a successful framework for engagement between Government and the private sector.’The document is a common plan for all of us involved in the industry,’ said Iyambo.According to the Minister, the implementation of the plan over the next five years will cost close to N$900 million.He said that Government had already secured some of the money and called for development partners to recognise the effort of the industry by assisting.’Development partners are always ready to help when someone is struggling. Once someone is doing well, they stop assisting. This trend must stop. We have a plan and we are serious in ma-king it successful. This is a good reason to support us,’ he said. ‘It’s a working plan.’