WALVIS BAY – Fisheries minister Albert Kawana says the latest decision to auction almost 16 164 metric tons of hake under the governmental objectives quota is enjoying the full
support of the fishing industry. 

In a brief interview with
New Era, Kawana said his ministry has taken suggestions of the fishing industry into consideration before deciding to auction the hake quota to the highest bidder. 

The quota up for auction includes 11 164 metric tons wet and 4 784 freezer. 

“I have consulted both the industry and unions, and they are in support of the process as long as it is done in a transparent manner and in line with the fishing seasons,” he said. 

The finance ministry, which is handling the auction, last week indicated the bidding will be open for both local and international bidders. 

The bids should be submitted before 10h00 on 16 April or scanned and emailed to the ministry.  The bids are also set at N$6 000 per metric ton and must be in multiples of 100 metric tons, according to the document. 

Bidders will also be required to pay a security deposit equal to the reserve price per metric ton multiplied by the volume of the quota applied for.  

The deposit is refunded to bidders if bids are unsuccessful. 

“The ministry will not allow any bidding below the reserve price nor allot the residual quotas through any other means should the reserve quota price not be met for the full 11 164  on offer,” the document reads. 

The full auction results will be announced in May while successful bidders are required to settle the full amount on or before 10h00 on 7 May. 

Government last year also auctioned 72 000 metric tons of horse mackerel, 11 000 metric tons of hake and 392 metric tons of monk to both local and international players. 

However, the process only generated a paltry N$8.4 million despite government expecting N$600 million. 

- edeklerk@nepc.com.na