Walvis Bay Lagoon’s nutrient-rich water producing super oysters

• ABSALOM SHIGWEDHA THE nutrient-rich water and the relatively sheltered environment of the Walvis Bay Lagoon, lead to producing fleshier, creamier and brinier oysters compared to those cultivated in Namibia’s neighbouring country South Africa. This was written in a newly published publication entitled ‘Walvis Bay: Coming of Age.’

The publication, chronicling the historical journey the coastal town has gone through, says Namibia’s shellfish are sought-after in the East.

“Marine aquaculture is dominated by oyster production and both Pacific and European oysters are grown. The colourful strings of barrels floating the oysters nets have become a familiar landmark in the Walvis Bay Lagoon and indicate an industry in the ascendancy, creating new employment opportunities for the residents of the area,” it is reported in the publication.

Besides its important pelagic fisheries, it further says, Namibia has a small but vibrant aquaculture sector, with enormous potential to increase a­quaculture production in the country.

When he gave his annual address to the fishing industry at the end of last month, fisheries and marine resources minister Bernhard Esau said the main objectives of aquaculture development in Namibia are food security and expanding the food basket, especially provision of nutritious protein sources and employment creation.

The National Aquaculture Master Plan for Namibia, for both freshwater and marine aquaculture, said Esau, was endorsed by the Cabinet and was launched in August last year at the Ongwedia Trade Fair.

“The Aquaculture Master Plan will be implemented over the next ten years and funds for the implementation phase is currently being sourced. Fish farming is expected to contribute approximately 10 000 tonnes within the next five years,” said Esau.

While Namibia got its independence in 1990, the harbour town remained part of South Africa until its integration into Namibia in 1994. The publication contains striking photographs taken by prolific photographer Volker Pesch and opinions of several prominent and ordinary Walvis Bay residents on how their town grew from 1994 to 2015.

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