WINDHOEK, Sept. 4– Namibia has approved a precautionary harvest of 10,000 metric tons of pilchard to strengthen food security and protect jobs in the fishing sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said Wednesday.
The quota, granted to Eco Fish Farms (Pty) Ltd. for a period of five months, was endorsed by the Cabinet under the Governmental Objectives Quota framework provided for in the Marine Resources Act, the ministry said, adding that the decision ensures that pilchard stocks are harvested in a controlled manner and processed into canned fish for distribution through government food aid programs.
“Canned pilchard is a strategic food item suitable for schools, rural communities, and emergency relief efforts during droughts and floods,” the ministry said in a statement.
Pilchard stocks in Namibia have been severely depleted, and all commercial pilchard fishing rights expired between 2019 and 2020.
The ministry said the precautionary allocation is introduced because only small quantities of fish are available and there is limited time left in the season.
The ministry emphasized that the allocation is aimed at sustaining employment, collecting state revenue through quota fees and levies, and supporting local ownership in the fishing industry.
Namibia‘s fishing industry is a vital contributor to food security, employment, and exports. The pilchard, once abundant but now tightly managed, remains the country’s only fish species historically canned for long-term consumption. (Xinhua)
