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Monday, March 19, 2012

The fishing sector fight against the marine phosphate mine


The Confederation of Fishing Associations in Namibia (NCFA) has expressed its concern about the big impact the phosphate mine could have on the environment. This plan, once in operation, could extract about 5 million tons of phosphate per year from the seabed of Walvis Bay.  
This plan will have a huge brunt on the marine life around the coast and can also affect Namibia's largest contributor.  The possible consequences this could lead to are; the destruction of the natural habitat of fish, harming the food chain routine, the release of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) into the water, the removal of feeding grounds and typical spawns.  These aspects will have a bad effect on the fishing sector and also harming various marine species.
“The NCFA consider the mining license as a serious threat for their industry”, stated Mr Bernhard Esau Minister of the Fisheries and Marine Resources. Mr Esau also highlighted that he has been engaging the related ministries in analyzing the environmental shock Assessment study which will be completed in a delay of 6 months.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Fish – An online calculator for seafood lovers

We had heard from many experts that seafood is good for health and we need to consume it more often.  A new website is here to help figure out how much fish we need to eat.  It’s quite simple to use as you just need to enter the amount of serving you want to have, your weight and the type of fish you prefer. The results are specific with the right amount of nutritious value. The calculator also advises you on how many servings you will need to eat in a week so as not to consume too much mercury.
The website is quite limited in terms of information display and the quantity of fish offered. There are only 25 kinds of fishes displayed and all of them are very popular seafood in America.   It gives you a list of fishes named as “good choice” which includes tilapia and farmed seafood.  The best seafood is the one good for our health, nutritious and which is less in mercury. The website, HowMuchFish.com is a useful tool for seafood lovers but it provides limited information.  It can be used as a tool but it is not totally reliable.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Benefits of fish consumptions for the skin

It is important to know what you are consuming and what the benefits are.  Fish is known for its highly beneficial nutrients and its effect on the human body.  It plays different roles for multiples of symptoms the body have. (Symptoms such as skin aging, heart problems, etc…).  Seafood including fish has been promoted as a healthy nutrient for the skin and the heart.
 Fish has been recognized as an excellent nutrient for the good functioning of the body as it is a good source of omega 3 fatty acid.  The two primary fatty acids are known as DHA and EPA, these two acids has anti-inflammatory properties which help to prevent skin aging.  A study has revealed that not all fish are rich in omega 3 thus it’s good to consumed fish oils as well.  There are a variety of fish which contain omega 3 fatty acid; among those are salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, lake trout, etc...  Other good sources of this fatty acid are milk, eggs and omega 3 supplements. You can eat a healthy balance diet including fish and at the same time treat your skin with natural nutrients. Most experts recommend consuming fish twice a week.
 Foods that help you protect your skin are:
Salmon
Walnuts
Olive oil
Fish / fish oil

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Namibia fishing sector wants a local fish brand in 2012

The Namibian ministry of fisheries will focus more on the development of the aquaculture zone and will offer different facilities in the fishing sector.  In 2012 the fisheries Minister, Mr. Bernard Esau said that different amenities will be provided, including marketing, catching and processing of seafood. These steps are the priorities of his ministry for this year as he wishes to see the development of a Namibian Fishing trademark.  The fishing zone in Namibia is a vital sector for the economy of the country as it decrease unemployment and increase food security. The government is also focusing on the development and promotion of the fish farming area. An agreement was signed in 2011 between the ministry and the Stellenbosch-based firm Aquastel for the development of an aquaculture master plan.

 the minister added that he is planning a fisheries conference for the first 6 months of the year and the main purpose of this conference is to know about all the challenges the fishing sector are facing. It’s a priority that all staffs should show devotions and innovations in their work at all times as professionalism is essential in your task, highlighted Mr. Esau. He also highlighted on the work environment commitment and punctuality.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

2012- Namibia fishing sector is a promising industry

Namibia is a country well-known for its fishing industry and export market.  After a decline of 2.0% in 2011, the fish processing and fishing sector is expected to improve this year.
The bank stated in the latest Economic Outlook Report that the total landings improvement in 2011 is due to the fishing sector.  It is expected that the improvement and conditions continues with an increase in fishing quotas.  The Namibian fishing sector is hopeful for a good fisheries management in 2012 with good prospects forms the local fishing industries.   It was also added that the sizes and rates of catch are extremely good resulting in high catch efficiencies.   The Ministry of Fisheries might increase the TACs and Quotas due to pressure.
The prospects for horse mackerel in the Namibian fishing industry are positive as due to an increase in the (TAC) total allowable catch. The hake supply has firmly recovered compared to the year before. But the TAC remain same for 2012 at 140 000 tonnes.  The 2012 TAC has not yet been announced, however, the latest research said that the pilchard TAC will remain same even after a double increase compare to 2011. Last year, the manufacturing sector has contributed with a 10.7% on the seashore fish processing.



Friday, February 17, 2012

The Prince of Wales encourages for more sustainable fishing

The Prince of Wales was invited to launch the International Sustainable Unit (ISU) Marine programme at the Fishmongers’ Hall in London. This event aims was to construct a worldwide agreement on how to best practices sustainable fisheries can be replicated around the globe.

 The Prince has emphasis his speech on sustainable fishing from all around the globe so as to increase catches, secure jobs and enhance the economic sector. The honorable Prince highlighted with a firm tone about the drastic decline of fish stocks on the planet and the big impact it can have in the future. He said that if we better manage the planet resources that could lead us to long-term benefits. He said that it’s a fact that human is over-exploiting the aqua marine and that he sees it as a major problem.  He highlighted that its petty depressing of how the situation is declining and its might lead to a collapsed. Our well-wisher added that there are positive examples all across the world that could be followed. He named countries such as Namibia, Norway, Japan and Peru; he refers these countries as inspiring examples of good practice which is now leading to bigger catches of fish, more job prospects and high earnings.

According to the Prince there are 3 things that will help to change the situation:-
Good information about what is really happening in the oceans
Fund to support the change from unsustainable to sustainable management
A better approach to tackle each situation



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Fishers raise funds for sick fish tests

In Gladstone, due to an eruption of sick fish in the local water in central Queensland, people are worried and do not want to trust the government’s investigation about this matter. Thus the inhabitants said that they will do their own investigation concerning these diseased fish.  The Spokesman of Gladstone Fish Market said that a sum of $ 500,000 needs to be raised so as they can start the research.
The inhabitants are very concerned about this delicate matter and are investing on their own to allow them to move on with their daily life.  Their main questions will be answered after the investigation is that whether the harbor fishes are safe or not to work with.  Mr. Whittingham is expecting to have a large number of supports for their campaign and he want to create non-profit organization so as people can fund the researches.  It’s a very expensive exercise and they will need the contribution of the whole state to achieve this task.
This situation is due to the chemicals which were washed in the harbor during the summer flood which hit the country. Mr. Tony Burke said that the pollution affecting the water is due to the pesticides washed from some farming areas.  This situation creates lots of problem for dugongs, turtle’s population and other creatures.