By Rochelle Neidel
Namibia’s fishing industry is a vital sector of the economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and food security while emphasizing sustainable practices.
The Namibian fishing industry is the continent’s second-largest exporter of fish and other seafood products. The industry is a significant contributor to Namibia’s food security, job creation, economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
Namibia’s wild-capture volumes are expected to remain under pressure as fishing quotas are reduced and landings decline further. Fishing companies anticipate that smaller catches will be partially offset by sustained demand from export markets and higher prices.
The growing trends in growing interest in the commercial cultivation of seaweed/kelp, sustained demand for MSC-certified Namibian Cape hake, particularly from EU countries amongst others are testament that the use of artificial Intelligence is not a pipe dream
In the aquaculture sector, oyster and abalone farming is expected to grow once certification is secured for target markets. Developments in offshore mining and oil and gas could affect the industry’s growth prospects. The government is expected to focus on strengthening intra-African trade and explore BRICS collaboration opportunities.
There is a strong focus on managing marine resources sustainably. While the industry employes a significant amount to the labour force, how exactly can we benefit from AI in the fishing industry? Fishing planning apps with updates on weather, tides, and fish movements.
Fishing technologies, such as GPS satellite navigation, sonar, acoustic cameras, fishing drones and AI-driven monitoring systems are but a few suggestions.
AI will potentially provide specialized capacity development training programs to address skills shortages.
Supplying biodegradable fishing nets with radio frequency identification chips that allow for tracking and recovery. Additionally, modified nets with bycatch escape panels.
In recent years, AItechnology or artificial intelligence has experienced notable evolution in the fishing industry, playing a crucial role in species detection and classification, real-time monitoring of fishing activity, optimization of routes and fishing strategies, fish population and fish stocks prediction, reduction of bycatch, and improvement of sustainability.
One inspiring example of AI in action is the development of smart, AI powered fishing nets equipped with cameras and sensors. These nets distinguish between species, sizes, and even the age of marine life, allowing non-target species to escape unharmed. This technology significantly reduces bycatch, a major issue in commercial fishing, where unintended species are caught and often perish, disrupting marine biodiversity.
In the vast, blue expanse of our planet’s oceans, a revolution is quietly unfolding, poised to redefine the ancient practice of fishing for the modern era. This revolution, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), is not just transforming how we harvest the seas; it’s ensuring we do so sustainably, preserving our marine ecosystems for generations to come. As we delve into this fascinating journey, we uncover the innovative ways in which AI is becoming the cornerstone of sustainable fishing, offering a beacon of hope for the future of our oceans.
The benefits of AI in sustainable fishing are not confined to industrial operations; they also empower local and indigenous communities. By providing access to AI tools and insights, these communities can better manage their traditional fishing grounds, ensuring they remain productive and healthy for future generations.
*Rochelle Neidel is a communications professional with over 8 year media and communications experience. Currently employed at FISHCOR as the Marketing and liaison Officer.
