Namibian fishing company NovaNam has renewed its FISH Standard for Crew certification, maintaining its position as the only company in Namibia and across Africa to hold the international labour compliance standard.
The certification recognises safe, fair and ethical working conditions on board fishing vessels and follows an independent audit of NovaNam’s fleet and operations against global, regional and local standards.
NovaNam was the first fishing company globally to obtain the certification in 2022.
The company operates a fleet of seven vessels, including two freezer trawlers and five wet fish trawlers, out of Lüderitz and Walvis Bay. The fleet employs approximately 280 crew members, with total staff complement standing at around 2,300.
The FISH (Fairness, Integrity, Safety and Health) Standard for Crew is based on international labour conventions, including the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, and requires compliance across 28 criteria covering working conditions, safety and crew welfare.
Chief Sustainability and CSR Officer at Nueva Pescanova Group, Nuno Cosme, said the certification reflects NovaNam’s focus on governance and employee welfare.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to responsible governance and to the well-being and safety of our employees. Providing the best possible working conditions is essential to ensuring responsible and sustainable operations,” he said.
NovaNam Country Manager and Group CEO Edwin Kamatoto said the renewal reinforces the company’s commitment to international labour standards.
“This certification recognises NovaNam’s ongoing efforts to provide our crews with decent, safe and internationally aligned working conditions, while contributing meaningfully to Namibia’s fishing industry and economy,” he said.
The audit process included inspections of vessels and interviews with crew members to assess compliance.
FISH Standard for Crew Executive Director Mike Kraft said the certification provides independent verification of labour practices in the fishing industry.
“Programmes such as FISH can serve as a credible, independent verification tool. Organisations can use it to demonstrate their leadership, the high value they place on the safety and well-being of their workers, and the transparency of their operations,” he said.
NovaNam, which has operated in Namibia for more than 35 years, processes and markets seafood products under the Pescanova brand and remains a key employer in the country’s fishing sector.
