Experts raise concerns over large-scale aquaculture in Namibia’s marine ecosystems

Scientists and conservationists have highlighted the potential risks that large-scale aquaculture could pose to Namibia’s fragile marine ecosystems.This was revealed at a recent Sustainable Fisheries Seminar hosted by the International University of Management (IUM) in Walvis Bay.Delivering a presentation titled 'The Potential Impact of Large-Scale Aquaculture Operations on Namibia’s Marine Ecosystems ', Damian Schreiber and Arariky Shikongo of Ocean Conservation Namibia cautioned that aquaculture projects planned for Lüderitz could overlap with existing mineral licences, fishing zones and biodiversity hotspots, creating cumulative environmental pressures.“Even moderate impacts can stack and exceed local thresholds,” Schreiber warned, noting that the proposed sites coincide with important breeding and feeding areas for seabirds, cetaceans and fisheries.He pointed out that critically endangered African penguins, Cape gannets and other species could face heightened risks from entanglement, disturbance and habitat degradation.Among the risks identified were organic waste build-up beneath cages, nutrient pollution, the spread of parasites and diseases, fish escapes and increased interactions with seals, sharks and seabirds.“Safeguards need to be strong, otherwise, these impacts could ripple through the ecosystem,” Schreiber stressed.Risk of wiping out entire species Shikongo elaborated on further risks, including oxygen depletion, seabed disturbance and biodiversity loss.“You could actually just wipe out a certain species within a blink of an eye,” he warned, emphasising the need for innovation in aquaculture design.Shikongo highlighted alternative approaches such as closed or semi-closed land-based systems and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, where salmon farming is combined with shellfish or algae production to recycle waste as food for other species.While acknowledging the potential economic benefits of aquaculture, including job creation and revenue generation, the presenters emphasised that these must not outweigh ecological risks, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA) and the Elizabeth Bay Marine Sensitive Area (EMSA).Sustainability is key The scientists further urged that any development should be guided by the Environmental Management Act, which requires science-based assessments and public participation before approvals are granted.Key recommendations included excluding open-pen aquaculture from high-sensitivity zones, requiring each project phase to prove “no harm” before scaling up, prioritising closed or integrated aquaculture pilot projects and establishing a multi-stakeholder working group involving industry, communities, researchers and universities.“With better planning and collaboration, aquaculture can be developed sustainably in Namibia,” Shikongo said.

Experts raise concerns over large-scale aquaculture in Namibia’s marine ecosystems

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-22

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Experts raise concerns over large-scale aquaculture in Namibia’s marine ecosystems

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-22

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