Fisheries getting better in the African Nations.

Namibia – A new project has begun in Windhoek to improve and promote the main marine industry in the African countries. The project was launched by the (BCC) Benguela Current Commission and this mission consists of helping the countries to improve the management of the fisheries and carry out a well planned ecosystem approach. The three tagged countries are the Angola, South Africa and Namibia. These regions are the principal targets of the ECOFISH project as they are the areas which have the most important stocks of Horse Mackerel, Sardinella and Hake in Africa.  At the world summit in 2002 the specific countries promise to apply the ecosystem approach to fisheries management and the ECOFISH would help them out to carry this task.

The project consists of improving the countries capacity to create and process new data.  The ECOFISH will help to develop a better way of collecting new socio-economic data and make sure that information about fishing communities are taken into consideration. The ECOFISH project will be sponsor by the European Union and a contribution of €1.5 million will be available for year 2011 to 2015.  This sponsorship of the Science Program will complement with the Benhuela Current Commission through the Norway Government.

The Namibian Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mr. Bernard Esau expressed his gratification to all the supporting associations responsible for this improvement in Namibia. He said that this support has come at an appropriate time as the country was facing some difficulties due to lack of resources.  Fortunately the country will be able to face and fill the gaps with the donation from the EU. 

http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=&day=1&id=43210&l=e&special=&ndb=1%20target=

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Namibian Hake- An increase in total allowance catch for 2011/2012 season.

In Namibia, the Ministry of Marine Resources and Fisheries has recently announced good news for the seafood industry which exports hake products.  The total allowance catch (TAC) for 2011/2012 season had an increase of 40,000 metrics tonnes, this is a beneficial news for the fishing sector as this new scheme might decrease the level of unemployment in the country  and also concrete the employed persons in the fishing sector.

 

 In the past years the main factors affecting the hake export market was mainly because of increased of fuel prices, poor demand for high quality products and poor currency prices.  This recommendation has already been approved by the ministry of fisheries and marine resources.  Besides, the catching of hake fish in Namibia has faced many difficulties in the past years due to exports difficulties.

According to the section 38 of the Marine Resources Act 27 of 2000, the TAC need to be increase in line with the law and this can only be done on a scientific basis with tangible evidences and advices.

http://www.economist.com.na/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23507:hake-tac-increased-for-20112012&catid=588:special-focus

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Seawork Fish Processor holds many benefits on the seafood industry

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is one of the best sustainable fishing certificates and eco-labeling program in the world of seafood. The MSC will assist fish industry in Namibia, such as Seawork Fish Processor among many others, so as to gain access to the worldwide growing markets and attract new customers.  The managing director of Seawork Fish Processors, Mr. Peter Pahl says that MSC certification will add value to the Namibia fish products rank on the world market and it will also classify the quality of Namibian seafood. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification is the world top sustainable brand according to Mr. Pahl and this certification will help fishing companies to boost their investment on the European market. 

Besides, Mr. Pahl believes that the MSC certification will promote the Namibia seafood products on the market and guarantee consumers that they are buying quality products. Also, this certification will certify the quality of the products, where it come from and many other details like name of the fisheries, companies, pack houses retailers.  Mr. Pahl concluded that this strategy will motivate fishing companies to diversify the managing system in term of quality, traceability, sustainability and seafood safety.  This tactic will guarantee a growing and long term existence on the global market. 

http://www.economist.com.na/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23508:marine-stewardship-council-certification-holds-many-benefits&catid=588:special-focus

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