The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has reported an increase in surveillance activities within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
According to Fisheries Minister Derek Klazen, the Ministry conducted 29 aerial surveillance missions between 1 April and 3 31 December 2022, during which 89 fishing vessels and 44 cargo vessels were observed.
This represents a significant improvement compared to the previous year’s figures, during which only 12 air missions were conducted, observing 71 fishing vessels and 28 cargo vessels.
“This was an improvement when compared to the similar period the previous financial year, when only 12 air missions were conducted which observed 71 fishing vessels and 28 cargo vessels,” Klazen said.
These increased surveillance activities are aimed at deterring, curbing, and eliminating illegal fishing activities, with offenders facing fines for violating fisheries legislation.
Klazen emphasised the importance of protecting the country’s fishing resources, saying: “In order to ensure protection of our fisheries resources, the Ministry conducts regular Fisheries patrols along and on waterbodies within the national jurisdiction as well as to make electronic means to monitor adherence to fishing restrictions in particular areas.”
The Ministry’s sea patrol missions resulted in the observation of 122 fishing vessels, with 38 being inspected and 33 infringements being recorded. The violations ranged from lacking appropriate documentation to not having the correct fishing gear specifications.
“The violations ranged from lack of appropriate documentation, required equipment onboard and fishing gear specifications. Fourteen of the offenders admitted guilt and settled a fine of N$132,600,” said Klazen.
Additionally, the Ministry carried out patrols on land along the country’s inland water bodies, including rivers, dams, and floodplains. Although the Ministry is facing challenges with insufficient staffing for patrols, Klazen has plans to resolve the issue by appointing Honorary Inspectors in areas where the Ministry cannot reach regularly.
According to Klazen, the number of vessels detected violating the 200m isobath restrictions has significantly reduced, with no fishing vessels being apprehended for illegally fishing within the restricted area during the first three quarters of the current reporting year.
The fishing sector employed 18,105 people in 2021/2022, with women making up the largest component of employment in land-based factories.
According to research firm Simonis Storm, Namibia’s fishing sector is expected to grow by only 1.3% in 2023 due to a slow growth in the country’s stocks and an unlikely increase in the total allowable catch.
