WALVIS BAY – The government has tightened its grip on the fishing industry by cutting the bycatch limit from 5% to 2% and raising penalty fees from 15% to 50%. 

This is in a bid to curb illegal landings and safeguard Namibia’s marine resources. 

The stringent measures were announced last week by information minister, Emma Theofelus. 

The measures come on the back of large hauls of pilchard bycatch, with landings suggesting this may not always be unintentional but rather a deliberate act. 

New Era last month reported that six midwater trawlers landed pilchards worth over N$23 million in single trips between April and June this year. The catches — totalling more than 1.4 million kgs of sardines — have reignited tensions between freezer trawler operators and wet-landed pelagic companies. 

A 2023 fisheries report revealed that pilchard landings in the horse mackerel sector rose from 6 504 tonnes in 2023 to 12 610 tonnes in 2024 despite the ban. Vessels with the highest pilchard bycatch included Komesho (7 054 tonnes), Katanga (1 216 tonnes), Tutungeni (1 193 tonnes), Carapau 1 (711 tonnes) and Mediva Star (682 tonnes). 

In 2023, the total landed value of bycatch stood at N$428 million, but only N$64 million was paid to the State – prompting questions over revenue losses and weak enforcement. 

However, the new measures are expected to deter transgressors and strengthen enforcement. 

“Licences will be suspended or revoked for serious or repeat offences, quotas will be reduced, and excess bycatch will be forfeited to the State and deducted from future allocations. Violators will also be named in an annual public list,” Theofelus said during the announcement. 

The Cabinet has further approved the power to confiscate fishing gear or seize vessels in severe cases. 

Reacting to the development, the Wet Landed Small Pelagic Association welcomed the new regulations, calling it a step toward sustainable fisheries management. 

Chairperson Johny Johnson Doeseb said the decision puts Namibia ahead of international best practices. 

“By setting a lower threshold, the government is showing real commitment to protecting marine resources, creating jobs and ensuring long-term industry sustainability,” he said. 

Doeseb urged full implementation of the measures by all enforcement agencies, including the Fisheries Observers Agency, Namibian Police Marine Division, Namport and the Attorney General’s office. 

“Strict enforcement protects law-abiding operators from those who exploit loopholes. We support these reforms and will work with the government to ensure Namibia’s fisheries remain a model for responsible and sustainable management,” Doeseb said. 

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na