The positive had outperformed the negative. Investments in training and social development had outweighed the decrease in the fishing industry’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by one percent in 2010.
That’s how Namibia’s fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau put it when he addressed stakeholders in the fishing industry last week in Walvis Bay to allay fears in the wake of a declining growth in the sector.
The global credit crisis in Namibia’s overseas seafood markets, unfavourable exchange rates and rising fuel costs, are all blamed for the weak performance, which saw the fishing industry’s contribution to GDP dropping from 4,6 percent in 2009 to 4 % in 2010.
Esau cited a particular fishing company that had spent N$84 000 to train seagoing personnel and earmarked more funds to send ten of its vessel crew members to Russia for 3 years to qualify as seagoing officers on the operational level. In total, fishing companies spent N$16 million on various social responsibility programs, according to Esau.
Minister Esau said Government is also aware of the concerns the fishing industry has voiced over mining exploration along the sea, and the impact it can have on fish resources. He confirmed that certain concerns had been identified by government, based on a draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on phosphate mining in territorial waters and that the concerns has to be addressed to conclude a final EIA. Esau advised the fishing industry to take a concerted approach to address concerns it has with phosphate mining activities.
The 178 new applicants, who were awarded hake, horse mackerel, rock lobster and crab rights in 2011 were warned by Esau that there are no short cuts and that holders must honor their commitments, including paying quota fees and levies on time. He further warned new right holders not to be instigated by some elements’ who apparently alleged that it is not necessary to take the payment of quota fees or registration for tax purposes seriously. Those who think they can get away with it are in for a rude awakening.
Esau cautioned the fishing industry that there is a need to revise the current Marine Resources Act of 2000. He says amendments are in the pipeline and the announcement will be made in due course.
Namibia is currently the target of both local and overseas pressure groups over seal harvesting’ as a natural marine resource and the method of culling seals. The economic viability, of seal culling, especially the provision of employment and economic spin-off beyond the owners of the industry, has been criticized. Esau acknowledged that an aerial survey of seal colonies along the coast had been completed and the results are being analyzed. Although, the minister called for dialogue between his ministry and environmental activists, he also indicated that the existing method of seal culling will continue.
2011 – 2012 Informante