Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Derek Klazen has given his assurance that the ministry is dealing with all those found guilty of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Namibian waters.
The minister said this while delivering his annual fishing industry address at Walvis Bay on Thursday.
“All systems, response times and operational parameters have been reviewed with a view toward creating a robust response and monitoring presence, ensuring early detection and prosecuting all vessels found to be fishing illegally in Namibian waters,” Klazen said.
He noted that the review may consider, but will not be limited to, the use of modern technology only that will involve the redesigning and strategic deployment of current assets to ensure a tactical and functional advantage to Namibia in her fight against IUU activities.
Additionally, the minister emphasised the government policies for the fishing sector which are meant to achieve predefined developmental goals.
“During the 2019/20 and 2020/21 fishing seasons; results from most of our scientific stock assessment surveys indicated that our commercial fish stocks, particularly hake, horse mackerel and crab, are harvested within maximum sustainable yields. Additionally, survey results indicate that the growth of these stocks will continue to be slow at the present rate of fishing, and will not be depleted,” he said.
Klazen however noted that monk stocks have proven to be challenging to grow, but this stock is also manageable, while stock assessments for rock lobster and pilchard offer particular reason for concern.
According to him, rock lobster and pilchard stocks continue to present poor findings indicative of poor stock growth. The rock lobster stock is so poor that the average size of the quota is only four metric tonnes per rights holder, the minister said.
“This is indeed a small quota allocation considering the cost of harvesting, processing, sales and distribution,” he added.
Klazen said he has therefore directed the executive director to explore measures available to the ministry within existing policies and the legal framework that would help ease the burden on rock lobster fishers and right holders.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
