Ministry Justifies Award of Pilchards Quota to Eco Fish Farms

Strategic Insights -

The Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has defended its decision to allocate a 10,000 metric ton pilchards quota to Eco Fish Farms, citing the need to safeguard national food security and sustain jobs at the country's last functional cannery. The allocation was made on a precautionary basis due to the expiration of all pilchards fishing rights between 2019 and 2020, leaving no valid rights-holders for the species. The decision was also influenced by the limited quantity of harvestable pilchards and the time left in the year. The ministry emphasized that only one facility, the Etosha Fishing Corporation cannery in Walvis Bay, is certified to process and harvest pilchards, and Eco Fish Farms was selected due to its 100% Namibian ownership and compliance with Cabinet-approved criteria.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform awarded Eco Fish Farms a 10,000 metric ton pilchards quota to ensure national food security and sustain jobs at the Etosha Fishing Corporation cannery.
  • All pilchards fishing rights expired between 2019 and 2020, leaving no valid rights-holders for the species.
  • The decision was made on a precautionary basis due to the limited quantity of harvestable pilchards and the time left in the year.
  • Only the Etosha Fishing Corporation cannery in Walvis Bay is certified to process and harvest pilchards.
  • Eco Fish Farms was selected due to its 100% Namibian ownership and compliance with Cabinet-approved criteria.
  • The allocation aims to contribute to food security, sustain employment, and generate revenue through levies, fees, and taxes.
  • Etosha Fishing Corporation, the other applicant, is partly foreign-owned and did not meet the Cabinet-approved criteria due to its foreign ownership and lack of readiness to harvest immediately.
  • Oceana Group, a South African company, holds a 44.8% stake in Etosha Fishing Corporation.

Statistics:

  • 10,000 metric tons: The allocated quota for Eco Fish Farms.
  • 2019-2020: The period during which all pilchards fishing rights expired.
  • 100%: The percentage of Namibian ownership held by Eco Fish Farms.
  • 44.8%: The stake held by Oceana Group, a South African company, in Etosha Fishing Corporation.
  • 10,000: The number of metric tons the Etosha Fishing Corporation cannery is capable of processing.
  • 2000: The year in which the Marine Resources Act was passed.

Sources:

  • "Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Statement on the Allocation of Pilchards Quota."
  • "Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform."
  • "Marine Resources Act of 2000."