NCE issues stark warning over eased fishing rules

The Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) has urged government to reverse its decision to relax fishing restrictions within the 200 m isobath zone for the horse mackerel sector.

In an open letter addressed to fisheries minister Inge Zaamwani, NCE chief executive Christopher Brown called for a stronger science-based approach to fisheries management.

The chamber warned that horse mackerel stocks have already shown signs of pressure and argued that this should lead to more cautious management rather than relaxed restrictions.

“The proper response to a declining fish stock is to reduce fishing pressure, not increase the pressure," the chamber stated.

The NCE argued that while easing restrictions may offer immediate economic relief and employment opportunities, the long-term effects could undermine fish stock sustainability and eventually threaten jobs.

“Given past fisheries collapses, it is imperative for government to adhere to science-based fisheries management and avoid short-term decisions,” Brown wrote.

The NCE said past mistakes should guide the sector’s response.

“The economic consequences of ignoring scientific advice in favour of the industry’s short-term interests have been dire, including widespread job losses and significant shrinkage of the fishing sector’s contribution to GDP,” he added.

The NCE referred to Namibia’s orange roughy collapse in 1998/99 and the collapse of sardine stocks in 2014 as examples of the consequences of ignoring scientific warnings.

Brown said fisheries scientists had for years recommended stronger conservation measures and temporary fishing bans before the sardine fishery eventually collapsed.

Sardine stocks declined from an estimated 700 000 tonnes in 1991 to below 50 000 tonnes by 2015, representing a drop of almost 95%, the NCE stated.

The chamber added that overfishing and the collapse of important prey species contributed to population declines among marine seabirds, including penguins and gannets.

“These examples also illustrate the lack of responsibility of the private fishing sector, who put pressure on the government for quotas in the face of declining fish stock," Brown wrote.

"They talk of jobs and the national economy, despite being fully aware that they are violating sustainable development principles and their actions are killing the goose that lays the golden eggs."

High-risk zone

The NCE described the 200 m isobath as an important ecological boundary that protects key spawning and nursery grounds for species including horse mackerel and hake.

According to the organisation, fishing activities in these areas could increase catches of juvenile fish and reduce the number of fish surviving to reproductive age.

Brown added that stronger measures should be introduced to safeguard and rebuild fish stocks, including the possible consideration of a moratorium on certain species, including sardines, and tighter regulations and enforcement on bycatch.

“With sufficient advance planning and cooperation between government and industry, mechanisms can be developed to support the sector during a fish stock recovery programme,” he said.

The chamber also called for a joint management plan with Angola for shared horse mackerel stocks as well as sardine stocks.

It said coordinated regional management is necessary because conservation efforts within Namibian waters could be undermined by continued exploitation elsewhere.

Brown further argued that fishing industries in Namibia and elsewhere have often prioritised short-term gains over long-term sustainability and placed pressure on regulators to increase quotas.

“One fishery after another has collapsed worldwide, and Namibia has been no exception,” he said.

The organisation also raised concerns over governance and fisheries management practices, saying there were indications that the horse mackerel industry may be overcapitalised, with too many participants competing for limited biomass.