Economic growth of our business is accompanied by ecological balance of the oceanic ecosystem. It is therefore inevitable to sustain well grown fishing populations and numerous measures to do so have been taken by the Namibian government and most Namibian fishing associations and companies.
Since consumers are becoming more and more aware of the importance of sustainable resources, the Namibian Government and fishing companies are striving to become MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) awarded.
Due to the fact that sustainability is a big issue to Seawork, we have already been accredited with the MSC - Chain of Custody certificate. This entitles us to handle MSC certified fish from sustainable resources all over the globe. We are also making sure that every product leaving our factory can be traced from raw material level to the individual packing and sealing the product itself.
Nevertheless the following facts emphasize how well the Atlantic coastline is standing, especially the Namibian exclusive economic zone:
The Namibian coast is approximately 1500km long and is arid desert along its entire length. Because of the desert coastline, the Namibian coast has few urban settlements, unlike most other coastlines in the world, which tend to be very densely populated. The lack of dense settlements means that there is not much pollution in Namibia marine waters, which could adversely affect the marine ecosystem.
According to the FAO: " with 580.000 Km² Namibia has one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world, based on the Benguela Current System, one of the four eastern boundary up welling systems in the world"
Furthermore the Namibian fishing industry is bound to very strict restrictions, e.g. TAC (Total allowable catch quotas) which ensures the ecological balance of the population during the fishing season.
In addition, Trawling for Hake is not permitted in less than 200 m depth, in order not to affect other species natural habitat and to minimize by-catch.
In 2008 the Namibian government has set the TAC for hake to be 130,000tons and this figure will stay the same for 2009.The conformity of the TACs is ensured by independent, government appointed fishery Inspectors, who must be present on every vessel at sea and on every landing of fish.
The closed season lasts for at least one or two months, September and October, depending on research results of stock Levels in order to ensure natural regeneration and to allow regrowth of populations.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources through its Directorate for Resources Management continues to conduct annual scientific research aimed at quantification of the resources and the state of the environment.
Resource Management exists in FAO region 47 to provide advice and take action needed to manage the sustainable utilization and conservation of living aquatic resources.
Existence of a limit on cod-end meshes size of 110mm to prevent young fish from being caught.
You may check our website on:
http://www.seawork.com.na/sustainability.html for more information.
