Since Covid-19 was declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020, the pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life and created many economic challenges for various industries, including the fishing industry.
Despite this, the fishing industry remained adaptable, sturdy and resilient, and continues to exist and thrive amidst all challenges.
The resilience of the fishing sector was confirmed during my consultations with the fishing industry during November 2021, where stakeholders discussed and shared pertinent issues affecting the sector.
Our fishing industry is one of the country’s top industries, contributing to the country’s GDP, including local economic development and poverty alleviation.
At the moment, the fishing industry provides over
16 000 direct jobs to Namibians, indirectly creating cash flow and other livelihood support to the dependents of those employed, whilst supporting other sectors of the economy.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), as part of its efforts to contribute to the restoration of economic growth, launched a Fisheries Research Project at Neckartal Dam in the //Kharas region in November 2021.
The project that was launched with the assistance of various stakeholders will provide scientific and evidence-based information on the potential of the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture at Neckartal Dam, and raise awareness on fisheries and aquaculture among the surrounding communities. The project has created freshwater fishing opportunities for small-scale farmers, and increased income from the fish value chain.
My vision for the fishing industry is to see a realisation of maximum sustainable benefits for all, and to accelerate the implementation of Namibianisation, which will see the greater involvement and participation of Namibians through the harnessing of the economic value of the ocean as contained in the Blue Economy Policy as well as further see economic growth in our country and preservation of livelihoods while the health of the ocean is preserved.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources will continue to offer support, in a prompt and effective manner, to the industry. I am always ready to engage and listen to the industry in these trying times.
Together, we can weather the stormy waters and grow to be a leading fishing nation.