Namibia’s fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen has called for more collaborative efforts between government agencies, leaders and the community to combat ever-increasing illegal fishing in the Zambezi region which threatens the sustainability of local fisheries.
He was speaking during a press conference last week, following a three-day official visit to the region aimed at spreading awareness of the importance of preserving diverse river fish species.
According to Klazen, these rivers are an integral part of the local diet and hold immense economic value for the community; however, they are being inundated by illegal fishing activities at the hands of locals and foreigners.
“We cannot overlook the pressing issue of illegal fishing and its detrimental consequences for our rivers and their delicate ecosystems. Illegal fishing practices, such as the use of fine-mesh nets, electrofishing, and the overexploitation of fish stocks, pose a grave threat to the sustainability of our fisheries and the balance of our aquatic ecosystems,” he said.
Klazen said to combat illegal fishing, it is imperative to strengthen law enforcement efforts, enhance surveillance and monitoring systems, and raise awareness among the local population about the importance of sustainable fishing practices.
“Together, we must take immediate action to protect our rivers, preserve our aquatic ecosystems, and ensure the sustainable management of our fisheries. Let us work hand in hand to combat illegal fishing, promote responsible fishing practices, and secure a prosperous future for all,” he said.
Klazen commended the local community for their unwavering commitment to preserving their natural resources and their active involvement in safeguarding their rivers, especially those in the Sikunga conservancy.
“While I am speaking of the Sikunga conservancy, I want to applaud and recognise the efforts of every single individual who is adding their voice to the call for a more sustainable and exploitation of our inland fisheries resources,” he said.
Klazen said he is aware of the shortage of fisheries inspectors in the region and the acute need to recruit more fisheries inspectors, as well as the need to investigate the appointment process of honourary fisheries inspectors in order to ensure compliance and curtail the practices of illegal fishing.
“Furthermore, the effectiveness of a fishing moratorium placed on inland fisheries between December and January is believed to be jeopardised by the lack of adherence and strict enforcement of moratoriums in our neighbouring countries. What is evident is that there is a need to harmonise these moratoriums so that they are in place during the same time and that all our fishers and those in neighbouring countries strictly adhere to and observe these moratoriums,” he said.
Zambezi regional police commander commissioner Andreas Shilelo, during an interview with The Namibian last week, said although locals are also implicated in illegal fishing activities in the region, it’s done at a higher rate by Zambians.
“Illegal fishing in the region is very high, as there is a lucrative fish market in Congo. These illegal fishing activities are also fuelled by poverty and the high unemployment rate, as it’s a means of food and income for the communities at large. However, we as the law enforcement agencies are doing our best to curb this issue but it still remains an issue of concern.”