🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibia to formalize 200-meter trawling ban by September, industry seeks clarity on temporary relaxation
via The Namibian3 min read
Namibia's government plans to formalize the prohibition of trawling within the 200-meter isobath by September, transforming a long-standing management tool into law. Agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani announced this during a ministry workshop, with ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda confirming the fast-tracking of the gazetting process. Muyunda clarified that a recent Cabinet decision to allow limited fishing in this zone is a temporary measure, set to end in 2027. This interim relaxation, approved for the wet-landed horse mackerel subsector, permits vessels to fish up to 150 meters deep from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. The 200-meter isobath is crucial for protecting fish breeding and nursery areas. The overlap between the temporary relaxation and the planned formalization has raised concerns within the fishing industry. Confederation of Namibia Fishing Associations chairperson Matti Amukwa stated that the situation is unclear and industry players are awaiting the final wording of the gazette and government guidelines. Marine scientist Victoria Erasmus emphasized the ecological importance of the area, stating that opening it up for fishing could lead to short-term gains but long-term collapse of fish stocks, citing examples of sardine and orange roughy fisheries. She advocates for formalizing the restriction as the correct approach. The ministry has not yet explained how the temporary relaxation and the gazetting will coexist.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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