Ministry Defends Precautionary Pilchard Harvesting Quota Allocation

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has defended its decision to award a precautionary pilchard harvesting quota of 10,000 metric tons to Eco Fish Farms, stating that the allocation aligns with national food security and employment objectives. The ministry highlighted that all pilchard fishing rights expired between 2019 and 2020, and the decision was made to ensure the supply of processed pilchards for vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren and those receiving food aid. The ministry emphasized that the selection criteria required the participating company to be Namibian-owned, process the fish into cans in Namibia, and have the logistical readiness to begin harvesting immediately. The decision was approved by Cabinet and is touted as strategic, rather than corrupt, as alleged.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform awarded a precautionary pilchard harvesting quota of 10,000 metric tons to Eco Fish Farms, to ensure national food security and employment.
  • The allocation aligns with a 'Governmental Objective Quota' aimed at providing processed pilchards for vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren and those receiving food aid.
  • All pilchard fishing rights expired between 2019 and 2020, and there is currently only one functional and approved cannery in the country: Etosha Fishing Corporation.
  • The ministry selected Eco Fish Farms, a 100% Namibian-owned company, over Etosha Fishing Corporation, which is 44.8% South African-owned, due to meeting the selection criteria.
  • The participating company must be Namibian-owned, process the fish into cans in Namibia, and have access to vessels and logistical readiness to begin harvesting immediately.
  • The ministry dismissed the option of auctioning the quota, citing the lengthy process would not sustain domestic employment in the short-term.
  • The decision was approved by Cabinet and the ministry reassured that the new leadership is committed to responsible and accountable management of fisheries resources for the benefit of all Namibians.

Statistics:

  • Precautionary pilchard harvesting quota of 10,000 metric tons allocated to Eco Fish Farms.
  • Quota allocation period: approximately five months.
  • Total number of pilchard fishing rights that expired: between 2019 and 2020.
  • Number of functional and approved canneries in the country: 1 (Etosha Fishing Corporation).
  • Percentage of ownership in Etosha Fishing Corporation owned by South African interests: 44.8%.
  • Percentage of ownership in Eco Fish Farms owned by Namibian interests: 100%.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.