The largest chunk of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources’ budget, if approved, is earmarked for the operational budget, where six projects are top of the list.
In his motivation of the budget for Vote 22 for MFMR for the 2023/2024 financial year on Thursday, Fisheries Minister Derek Klaazen sought approval of over N.dollars 290 million for the ministry, of which more N. dollars 270 million is aimed at dealing with the survey and stock assessment programme, among others.
A total of N.dollars 51.9 million is allocated to this programme.
This programme, according to Klaazen, is essential for the sustainable management of Namibia’s living marine resources. Data will be provided on marine fish stocks which will guide the setting of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), which in turn ensures long term sustainable harvesting of marine resources.
“I am pleased to report that during the financial year 2022/23, the ministry conducted biomass survey fish stocks for all commercially exploitable fish stocks. The TAC as a management tool is informed by biomass data stock assessment and that ensures that fisheries are managed in a sustainable manner,” he added.
The minister stressed that this data collection and stock assessment is required for maintaining a full Marine Steward Council certification for prime hake to allow Namibian products into lucrative markets.
“Furthermore, during the 2023/2024 financial year, the ministry intends to continue conducting surveys on the living marine organisms and the marine environment to produce best scientific advice on the level of TACs for the different commercial fisheries.”
Another programme priority for the ministry is human resources development, which requires N.dollars 67.7 million to be fully implemented.
This programme will provide administrative support services such as finance, human resources and procurement to support the execution of the assigned functions and programmes.
Other priority areas include Marine and Inland Monitoring, Control and Surveillance; Promotion of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries; Policy and Economic Advice, and Coordination and Support Services.
N.dollars 20 million of the ministry’s budget will be directed to development projects.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
