Lawful, sustainable recreational fishing encouraged

It is important to sustain a healthy and thriving fishing ecosystem to the benefit of not only commercial, but recreation fishing activities. This according to the Swakopmund municipality.

Beach angling is a common and significant part of the coastal town's heritage and the coastline offers a popular destination for recreational fishing for visitors and the local community.

Anglers are seen daily on the beaches fishing for species such as the most commonly caught kabeljou (cob), black tail, steenbras, barbers (catfish) and galjoen. Daily fishing activities take place near to the shores and up to one or more kilometres offshore, depending where the fish is located.

Permits

All anglers are required to have a legal recreational fishing permit issued by the ministry of fisheries and marine resources and are urged to practice lawful and responsible fishing as a means to sustain our natural species and livelihood. Anglers must present fishing permits to fisheries inspectors during inspections or upon request.

According to the municipality, anyone who is found harvesting for recreational purposes without a fishing permit is guilty of an offence. Recreational fishing permits cost N$14 per month or N$168 per year, and are available at the ministry's offices in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Lüderitz.

They can also be obtained at the Henties Bay Police Station.

Regulations

The municipality said it fully supports and endorses the marine resources regulations and conservation measures put in place. "The existing fishing laws and regulations enables the conservation of all marine resources while protecting the ecosystem, and enables all local anglers to enjoy good fishing success.

“Without these regulations, anglers would be able to fish for all species at all times and of any quantity, which could deplete the fish populations and cause species to become extinct. It is important that the general public is aware of these measures which govern the fishing sector collectively, such as the harvesting and issuance of local fishing permits, daily bag limits, fishing standards and procedures, possession and transportation of marine resources and the designated fishing spots for recreational purposes."

Planning ahead

According to council, local fishermen's suggestion of where they prefer to fish have been incorporated into the newly drafted beach, parks and jetty rules, which are yet to be gazetted by the municipality.

The beach access plan is aimed to establish designated sites where recreational activities including fishing may be permitted regulated, controlled or prohibited. Council, in collaboration with the Benguela Current Commission, has been talking about developing a fish market for fishermen similar to the Hanganeni Artisanal Fishing Association in Henties Bay.

This will provide fishermen with a market to directly sell their fish to consumers. A register for all fishermen was compiled by the commission in 2022.

Fishermen also nominated a committee to represent their interest with council in 2022. This will assist the municipality to closely work with stakeholders.