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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. 

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Lean fish supply omega-3 fatty acid

 The pre-known sources of omega 3 till now were the oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring. A new study in Norway shows that lean fish is an undervalue source of omega 3. It is said that fish is a good source of protein and there are good reasons to include it twice a week to our meals.
The researcher at NIFES, Lisbeth Dahl says that fish is nutritious and good for health. He is still studying and seeking evidence of the benefits of lean fish.  The journal ‘Lipids’ published a new article about the diet surveys which clearly shows that lean fish contains DHA. The DHA is one of the important omega-3 fatty acids as it is help for the good functioning of the brain and the eyes developments.
Including fish in our meals has become a real health boost as it provide good source of omega-3.  A diet which contains omega-3 is good for health as it helps to reduce the risk of certain cancer, Alzheimer's symptoms, decrease blood pressure and stroke. Fish dishes are nutritious and it is advice to include it twice a week in our meal as it is good for wellbeing. It improves arthritis, joint pain, and promotes heart health. 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Hake fish increase in demand over the globe

A report shows that Argentina exported a total amount of 424,034 tonnes of seafood in 2011 and it cost about 1, 365.5 million USD. This statistics represent a decline of 1.6 % in term of volume and an increase of 13 % in term of value compared to the previous year.  In the year 2011, the largest export was the hake fish (hubbis, Merluccius), with 132,673 tonnes valued for more than 366.5 million USD. It was clearly shows that there was an increase of 5.7 % in value and a decrease of 13% in volume in 2011 compared to 2010.

The seafood which was more in demand was:
  Shrimp export - a total amount of 76,533 tonnes worth 454.7 million USD.
  Squid export – with a sum of 22, 934 tonnes worth 53.8 million USD.
  Hoki export – with 22, 934 tonnes worth 53.8 million USD.
  Patagonian anchovy - with 12, 027 tonnes worth 23.9 million USD.
   Patagonian scallop - 6,595 tonnes worth 79.1 million USD

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Multiple benefits of eating fish

Researcher’s world widely has discovered that eating fish has infinite benefits for health. Therefore, consuming one or two fish meal per week may help in reducing a range variety of diseases starting from childhood asthma to prostate cancer. Fish is low in fat and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish consumption can reduce the risk of many health disorders and diseases if eaten on a regular basis. 

Research finding has indicated the following:
Asthma – It was found that children who consume fish are less likely to develop asthma.
Cancer - The risk of cancer may be reduced by 30 to 50 % due to the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish. (The types of cancers are the oesophagus, cavity, colon, ovary, breast and prostate).
Eyes and brain function - fish which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help to keep the brain tissue and the retina healthy.
Cardiovascular disease - it’s a fact that consuming fish is highly beneficial for heart patience. Eating fish twice a week help to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. As it reduces blood clots and inflammation, it helps to improve blood vessels elasticity, lower blood fats and blood pressure.

Diseases – Elderly people who eat fish once a week have a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Depression – People who eat fish on a regular basis has a lower risk of suffering from depression. (It was found that the cause of depression is linked by a minimal level of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain).
Diabetes people - Fish may help people who suffer from diabetes to manage their sugar levels in the blood.
Breast feeding – Mothers who consumed fish and breast fed their babies have a great chance to have better eyesight, perhaps due to the omega-3 fatty acid transmitted in breast milk.
Premature birth - Consumption of fish by pregnant woman during their pregnancy may help to reduce the risk of premature delivery.
Inflammatory conditions - Fish consumption may relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune and psoriasis disease.
 There are different ways of enjoying healthily fish which include baked, grilled, poached and steamed forms. 

Monday, January 16, 2012

Seafood is classified as a big business in New York City

For this festive period many businesses consider Seafood products an ideal way to attract customers by preparing nice dishes. In New York City, it’s a tradition for inhabitants to a variety of seafood plates for Christmas Eve.  For this festive period, the Whitesboro Fish Market get pretty busy as people tend to order their favorite dishes from there. The Fish market have set two ways of proceeding for this event either they will add more fish to the feast or they will close to 200 customers order.  There are a variety of fishes which people are fond of and which are also considered as most popular one. These are the Haddock, King Crabs legs, Lobster tails, Cod, Hake and Pollock. There is a popular belief behind this celebration, it is said that the 7 fishes represent the 7 sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church while another belief is said that 7 fishes represent the 7 days of God’s Completion in the holy Bible.
A customer, Christa Rucco said that for the Italian it’s a very important tradition and fish is served as a Christmas tradition in many families. And for people who do not have fish everyday it’s considered as a real treat especially when sharing these threat with family and friends.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Eating fish boosts heart health for young women

A new study reveals that eating oily fish is safe for young women and can radically reduce the risk of heart diseases. If you consume oily fish every week the risk of heart disease is 90% less compared to women who rarely ate fish. Omega-3 fatty acid which is presents in oil fish protects the arteries and the heart. This study focused on a population of 49,000 Danish women whose health was monitor for approximately 8 years and who aged between 15 to 49 years old.
During the study period researchers had a record of 577 cardiovascular events such as strokes and heart attacks, 5 of which sadly result in death. 50 % of the women who poorly eat fish faced cardiovascular problems compared to those who regularly had a proper fish meal.  It’s the 1st study that target female teenagers to adult women said Dr Marin Strom from the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen.