Being in the fish industry for about 15 years, Seawork Fish processor ltd is one among the leading Namibian fishing companies and we applied the MSC policies to be able to use this icon for its customer peace of mind.
Nowadays seafood consumers are becoming more and more aware of the sustainable resources and based on this, the Namibian fishing companies has decided to be MSC awarded. Sustainability of seafood is a very big issue to Seawork. We have already qualified for the MSC certification but before being qualified for this, we had to respect every policies, requirements and assessments in order to have this blue MSC label in our all Hake fish products being exported worldwide. First of all, seafood environmental standard is our priority. Even the MSC certifies that environmental standard should be respected. This has been contributed by the law imposed by the Namibian government.
Because of all these precautions the biomass of the Hake population has increased by 34% which is a growth from 701,000 to 936,000tons in one year. The Government has even increased the Total Annual Catch (TAC) from 130,000tonnes in 2007 to 145,000tonnes in 2010. This shows that the Namibian authority has well monitored the Hake population and has carefully taken required precautions in order not to affect the marine environment. Also the Worldwide Fund has stated that there has not been overfishing in the zone 47.
Strict rules and regulations have been imposed by the Government in order to manage the fish stock and also prevent over-exploitation. 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. Also, it helps from young fish species being caught.
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 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.
http://www.seawork.com.na/sustainability.html
http://www.seawork.com.na/sustainability.html
