Walvis Bay
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernhard Esau says the contributions made towards corporate social responsibility by holders of fishing rights are insignificant, despite many right holders undertaking to contribute significantly when they apply for fishing rights.
Speaking at a press conference, following his annual fishing industry address at Walvis Bay on Friday, Esau said openly that he is not happy with the contributions made by the fishing right holders compared to the millions of dollars they pocket in dividends.
The fishing sector is one of the key sectors identified by the government to accelerate poverty eradication and reduce income inequality, as well as improve the living conditions of all Namibians.
According to Esau a total of N$48 million was contributed during 2015 toward corporate social responsibility (CSR) by fishing right holders, which averages N$160 000 for each of the 300 holders of fishing rights, who have in the past been accused of splurging on non-productive luxury goods and top-of-the-range imported vehicles.
Esau says such CSR contributions include the provision of fish marketing infrastructure, fish shops, donations of fish and sponsorships to schools and churches, among others.
“This amount is quite insignificant if we look at the number of right holders we have. There are more than 300 right holders.
“However, if we look into their net profits in one season or financial year, this contribution is definitely not satisfying at all,” he insisted.
Assessments of fish stocks determine the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) that should be allocated and every company has a social responsibility to share some of the profits made from the country’s natural resources with the poor and vulnerable members of society, he argued. He further said he has been encouraging the entire fishing industry to spend more on social responsibility: “I want to underscore that all right holders have made broad promises on CSR, in line with socio-economic contributions, as outlined in the Marine Resource Act.”
He added that he wants the industry to come up with more sound social responsibility programmes that will positively respond to the needs of the Namibian people, in terms of job creation and self-sustainability initiatives.
“I urge industry to come up with sound CSR programmes as part of their way of giving back to the community, as fish is a natural resource that everyone should benefit from.
“My ministry will continuously track the implementation of CSR activities at company level by using the Fishing Industry Performance System tool,” the fisheries minister said.
Esau also indicated that the TACs for various fish species have decreased from 605 459 metric tonnes (mt) in 2014/2015 to 528 696 mt in 2015/2016.
“The pilchard stock is still unstable, thus the ministry will continue to take a precautionary approach in managing the stock to ensure a healthy recovery,” Esau stated.
Chairperson of the Conferederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA), Matti Amukwa said the hake sector was the worst affected by the illegal seamen’s strike that started last November.
The fisheries sector is the largest contributor to Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after mining and tourism.