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Guardians of the ocean

2022-04-29  Eveline de Klerk

Guardians of the ocean

Not everybody has the opportunity to choose a perfectly suited career or do what they love. Some jobs are a mere stepping stone to greatness.

However, for women and men, known as fisheries observers, their job is a selfless sacrifice they will choose over and over again.

These men and women protect Namibia’s marine life and ensure those given the opportunity to exploit it do so responsibly.

This is how much of a critical role the women and men of the Fisheries Observer Agency (FOA) play in their crucial job – as the watchdog and guardians of the country’s marine resources.

Irmhilda Ikera says she does not regret becoming a fisheries observer.

She has a 14-year-old son, who is currently in the care of her brother.

She joined FOA in 2003 after working briefly as a quality controller in the fishing industry.

“I was very interested in learning more about the ocean – and the more I know, the eager I became to play my part in safeguarding it,” she explains.

Narrating her duties, she says they board fishing vessels and are part of the fishing trip to ensure they act within the guidelines of the Fisheries Marine Resources Act.

Apart from that, she gathers samples of various fish species that are caught by the fishermen.  

“I also gather samples for our ministry for research purposes,” she said. 

“I have to make sure that the vessel applies to all the guidelines while at the same time monitor the operations on-board to make sure that they only catch what they need to. I also need to see that they use the correct fishing gear while also catching in the right position.”

According to her, all these are recorded and reported once the vessel returns from sea.

 

Your life is at sea

 

Frieda Kleopas, an observer for the past 18 years, also agrees a strong support system is needed, especially when you have children.

She has two daughters, 25 and 11 years, and they take care of each other. 

“Sometimes, I can be out at sea for 45 days. The longest you can go is 90 days, especially on vessels harvesting crab. There are short trips for three days, seven days and 14 days as well. Your whole life is at see; hence, you need a good support system that can assist you, especially if you have children,” Kleopas says.

The veteran observer further explains they sometimes get whole week off to spend with their families. 

According to her, her children have accepted and understood the importance of the job.

Being an observer is not for the faint-hearted and you face many obstacles, such as intimidation by vessel captains.

“Especially when you work with foreigners at sea, and there has been a transgression committed. They would simply tell you that they don’t understand, and this makes it so difficult to communicate. That’s why it takes a person with guts to be an observer,” she says.

She got interested in becoming an observer, as marine life was very intriguing, seeing she was studying Biology at school.

“I wanted to protect the ocean and our marine resources. I must, however, say it is a situation where your family comes second to the job. I believe that I am doing very critical service for my country and its people,” she explained.

 

Worth it

 

Blevins Mushabangu, also one of the longest-serving observers, says he takes pride in the fact that he is serving his country in such a selfless way.

According to him, his job is definitely rewarding, and he accepted that his home is at sea, although he had sacrificed his family.

 “However, it is worth it. I will choose it again if I have to. It is so rewarding to serve your country – even if it seems insignificant to others, he said.

“A lot of things can happen out there, and I need to be the ears and eyes of all Namibian people. It’s a hard job, and our families come second,” he explained.

Asked whether he would advice anyone to follow in their footsteps, Mushabangu believes it is a good career option.

However, those who want to become observers must be willing to accept they will always be lagging behind.

“Things will happen while you are out at sea without your knowledge but you become used to it. Just know that you are making a sacrifice – and it is worth it. The sea becomes your home after all,” he says. 


2022-04-29  Eveline de Klerk

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