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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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. 

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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 1^st study that target female teenagers to adult women said Dr Marin Strom from the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen.

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Can we count on the oceans to feed us in the coming years?

Fish are eaten by billions of people all around the globe. The unanswered question is: will the oceans be able to feed the earth’s population in the coming years as in the past decades.

One among the fishes mostly eaten by people is the tuna, this type of fish is being fished unsustainably all around the globe.   The world’s fishes are being exploited by 32% and it has been this way since 1990 and according to the statistics, aqua life is getting scarcer. The U.S. has fixed some restrictions on the fishing sector and this step has allowed some fishes to rebound but unfortunately other countries didn’t comply with this.

The skipjack is the only fish that has not been heavily fished till now, according to the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization.  In 2007 a law was signed by the U.S. President, Mr. George W. Bush, which is to place a limit amount on the amount fishing. This law was passed so as we get rid of over fishing and let the future aquaculture population grow safely.  However, overfishing is not the only worries as people are destroying the natural habitat of fishes and the coast which scientists believe is irreversible.

Different kinds of steps are being taken so as to improve this situation, people are relying more on fish farming and laws are being strict on sustainability so as to improve the fishing sector. The earlier the global management starts the better are the chances to increase wild life. 

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Norway exports of cod hits top record.

The cod fish is one of the most important marine fish in Norway. Cod is found in the northern reaches of the Atlantic Ocean and about 500, 000 tons of fish are captured each year.

In October the overseas sale of cod fish was of 157.5 million euro, it includes stockfish, salted and dried cod. Compared to last year an increase of 4% is visible and this rise is highly beneficial for the Norway export market.

Norway profited about 1.23 million euro due to the foreign export of all types of cod fish.  The Norway cod and haddock continue to be in demand and this is a profitable and positive aspect for the country’s fishing industry. The country’s economy is prospering from the frozen fish with a total export of 39.7 million euro and is 77% higher than in October 2010. The only competitor of Norway is China which is considered as the biggest single importer of white fish.

Farming of cod is also on the rise but a decrease of 43% was noted. Despite this decrease in export of fishes like farmed cods and salmons, Norway and china remains the 2 biggest export countries. 

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Italia want to buy hake fish directly from Namibia

Last month during a meeting which was held in Italy, between the Namibian and the Italian businessmen, it was suggested that the new director of Food Import and Export Agency intend to import fish directly from Namibia. Mr. Alexandro Lamana said that it would be more practical and cheaper to import hake directly from Namibia rather than to get it through Spain.

According to Mr. Lamana, getting fish products from Namibia through Spain is very expensive and bulky and the surcharges make the fish products more expensive. The other issue that they have is that they do not receive the fish products that they ordered. If for example, Spain does not have hake in stock, they will send crabs or other products they have in stock. In other words, they are not 100% satisfied to deal with Spain concerning the seafood products as they always get leftovers.

The representative of Italy intends to visit Namibia and start dealing directly from there and find a way to form partners with the Namibian fisheries.

The fish products exported from Spain are the swordfish, crabs, hake and rock lobster.  In Namibia, the average landings per year are approximately about 500 000metric tones and 90% of the fishes are exported to Europe, Asia, USA and the rest of Africa.  The recorded value for 2009 was of 7 million Namibian dollars.   The Marine Resources and Fisheries permanent secretary Ulitala Hiveluah suggested that the Italian business people begin to invest in the processing, marketing and exploring of the marine resources in Namibia. She highlighted that the Namibian Government will always continue to encourage foreigners to participate in the exploring of marine resources through joint beneficial scheme joint.  She also added that there are great potential investments in the local fisheries industry especially for the large pelagic fish, seals and horse mackerel.

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The Michigan’s fish and other sport fish contain more mercury, report says.

According to a report the Walleye and other sport fish contain more mercury that one could imagine. These fishes are found in the Great Lakes region and in certain parts of Michigan.  However, their presence could be dangerous for consumers of these species.

Scientist studied the toxin in these sport fish as it could have harmful effects on pregnant women and children’s brain development. One of the officers in charge of the study said that Michigan has been under a mercury fish advisory for years and they are still not sure that the coming report will give an exact feedback about the level of mercury. It’s an alarming situation for fish consumers as they will have to abstain themselves.  There is still an inheritance of toxin which persists even if an evaluation has shown a 20 % decline in emission, said the Tuesday report.

The mercury in fish is still a great threat for the inhabitants of this region and its surroundings. Scientists said that despite the fall in emission, the mercury continues to be present in some species and this is a major issue for humans and the wildlife. The study clearly showed that the concentrations of mercury in some fishes are very high. Over the past four decades, especially in lakes and rivers the toxin level is quite high. After 3years of study, in a report was released by the Great Lakes Commission, it was said that the fish was uneatable due to the high level of toxin. It includes the northern pike, walleyes, lake trout and the large-mouth bass. The analysis also shows that the level of contamination depends on the place the species were caught.

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Seafood products

Seafood consumption is good for health.  It is a good source of vitamin, protein, mineral, and it is also low in sodium, calories and saturated fat.  A large variety of fish contain polyunsaturated fat also known as Omega-3 fatty acids.  It is very beneficial to heart disease patients as it lowers blood pressure and triglycerides.  New research shows that fat in fish also reduces pain and inflammation linked to arthritis, colitis and asthma.  The consumption of fish helps to cure depression and bipolar illness.

Despite the fact that most fish are safe to eat, consumption of some of them should be avoided due to high level of mercury.  Hence, the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency have set up the following plan: 

Consume of fish every 2 weeks and try to eat shell fish as its low in mercury especially for toddlers, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Do not eat shark, king mackerel, tilefish and swordfish as their level of mercury is high.

Eat low mercury fish such as albacore tuna, salmon, Pollock, catfish and canned light tuna.

Always remain well inform on the quality of fish you consume and do not exceed fish consumption.

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Imported seafood to America tainted with drugs.

The U.S. has been the biggest importer of seafood in the last decade with an amount of more than 17.6 million tons. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) says that only 2% of imported seafood is inspected and only 0.1 % is tested for prohibited drugs residue. Thus, the dirty infected marine products are finding a way to enter the American market. This is not safe for the population’s health as stated by the government, officials and other food safety experts.

Mr. Siobhan Delancey (FDA spokeswoman) said the firm is trying its best to ensure the safety of imported seafood. A modern method of proceeding which is known as “preventative controls” is being used and it includes the reviewing of company’s safety plans.  Documentations clearly show how food operators deal with safety procedures.  The experts state that the volume of imports is considerable that it is not wise to rely only on the surveillance at the border. The microbiologist Michael Doyle said that analysis would improve if the FDA would have the manpower to inspect all the shipments.

For the past decade, tuna, salmon and shrimp are the 3 most imported seafood in the U.S.  The major part of which are farm- raised in Indonesia, Vietnam, china and Thailand. The quality of food used to feed the shrimps and tilapia in china and Thailand are human waste and untreated animal compost.

The question which is raised is how safe the nation’s food is and the answer is complicated, said a 27 year old journalist who spent 10 weeks this summer, gathering and interviewing experts from almost everywhere across the country.

 It was found that each year in the U.S. 48 million of people suffer from food borne illnesses, 128, 000 required hospitalization and 3000 died. The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration anticipate that 24 million products will enter the country in 2011 and only 1.59% of them will be inspected.

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Healthy benefits and 5 most nutritious seafood that must be eaten

We always tend to think that the only healthy nutritious foods are fruit and vegetables when we hear “healthy eating habits”.   But there is lots of interesting food categories which are good for health and need to be included in everyday meal.

Seafood is one among these categories and although many people consider it as an ‘exotic food’ for special occasion, it might be a very good ingredient if introduced in your daily meal.  Besides, it’s a fact that seafood is delicious and a very good source of minerals (phosphorus, iron, zinc and potassium), proteins and vitamins.  Many seafood products are low in fat, cholesterol (saturated fat), sodium and vitamins (A, B6 and B12). Seafood benefits are amazing for our health. Some of its categories are better than vegetables and fruits.

Here are 10 extraordinary benefits seafood can have when consumed

Low blood pressure

Help in the good functioning of the eyes, brain and nerves development for kids

Acts as a protection against bronchitis

Protects against Emphysema

Reduce risk of depression

Help in the good functioning of heart and reduce the risk of heart disease

Boost immune system

Prevent Cancer

Lose weight

Prevent Arthritis and osteoporosis

Some most nutritious seafood is:

Salmon

Shellfish

Crab

Sardines

Hake

Pink Shrimps

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Farmed fish increasing drastically

In the US, due to an increase of fish consumption people are considering to farm fish for consumption due to a drastic increase of seafood. Mr. Josh Goldman is a fish farmer and runs its own farm in the U.S and believed that it’s a great idea as far as he is not destroying the ocean.

The world largest ecosystem and its habitats are being over exploited and depleted by fishing industries. If no solution is found, the existence of wild fish can be greatly at risk in the coming years.  A report issued from the UN (United Nation) says that 32% of the global fish stocks are exploited and 90% of the large species such as tuna & marlin have been the main preys of human beings for the past century. The two species heading towards extinction are the Atlantic cod and the Blufin tuna which have been fished excessively.

Humans have started to farm fish 4000 years ago and it began with the Chinese who introduced the fish ponds. Farmed fish is as good as wild fish as in the few years to come, the oceans will not be able to provide the amount of seafood humans beings are demanding. Fifty years after the introduction of Chinese ponds, aquaculture has gained popularity and has become an industry. Aquaculture grew from 1 million to 47.3 million tons of fish, which consists of feeding half of the globe with farmed fish.

Since the mid of the 1990s the worldwide fishing industry has caught 80 million tons of fishes in a year and this result was not enough to keep up with the global seafood demand. Fish is in great demand in the world due to its tasty flesh and heart-healthy form of protein which kept on rising.  Fish comes with many benefits and it is recommended to consume it twice weekly in a meal.  

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