Coastal News

Namibia’s hake fishery is setting not only a national, but also an international example, of how cooperation among opposition fishing companies in the same sector and Government can achieve together what none of these stakeholders would have achieved each on their own.

Thanks to this cooperation the Namibian hake trawl and longline fishery is recognised by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as meeting globally recognised science-based standards for sustainable fishing.

What makes this so much more of an achievement is that it is the second time Namibia’s hake fishery achieved this accolade, having met the MSC’s standards in 2020 and now again in the second five years cycle. Namibia is the second country in Africa so far to achieve this world-standard twice in a row.

In laymen’s terms: Namibia’s main destination for hake exports is Europe, the United Kingdom and other high value markets. For business and consumers in these markets, sustainable fisheries in countries of origin are vital to ensure continuity of supply and to conserve natural resources for future generations.

For Namibia the benefits of cooperating with bodies such as the Marine Stewardship Council are sustainable fisheries for international business continuation and market growth into the future (competitive edge). When compliant with the Marine Stewardship Council Namibian hake products receive a certified ecolabel and it is reported Namibian hake found its way into new high value markets since the first MSC certification.

The Marine Stewardship Council remains one of the strongest global alignments for sustainable fisheries worldwide, and the Namibian Government, the Namibian Hake Association and the Marine Stewardship Council should be applauded for this strategic alignment for a better tomorrow for our planet.

In a press statement by the MSC, it quotes the Chairman of the Namibian Hake Association, Matti Amukwa: “Since Namibia’s Independence, Government, fisheries scientists and industry have worked together to rebuild the hake resource and create a profitable fishing industry. An industry that gives back to people and the environment. Achieving MSC certification, first in 2020 and now, has been a team effort and provides assurance to the world that we are committed to the sustainability of Namibian hake.”

Adding: “as part of the stock rebuilding plan, the fishery has implemented a clear harvest strategy with catch targets set in line with scientific advice. The MSC certified Namibian and South African hake trawl counterparts, targeting the same M. paradoxus stock, are required to collaborate and share information on their stock assessments.”

From the passage quoted above it is also clear that accountable fisheries management require steadfast cooperation among neighbouring countries sharing the same fish resources due to geographical location.

In addition, according to Amukwa, fisheries observers play a critical role in the Namibian fishing industry. That is both to monitor and record catching activities at sea and on land when catches are landed.

MSC’s Program Director for Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, Michael Marriott, congratulated the Namibian hake fishery on its recertification: “We applaud the Namibian Hake Association, the Ministry and their partners for securing their second MSC certificate.

What has been very positive in the case of Namibia is not only the stakeholder collaboration within the country, but also the cooperation with external experts and other stakeholders operating on the same resource. There is a drive to improve, to explore new technological innovations, and a commitment to safeguard the hake resource for the future.”

Kirsten Manasterny of Merlus Group, also a Namibian hake producer, added: “What I love about Namibia is the vast space and natural biodiversity. I also love the commitment by everyone to keep it that way, and I see MSC as a great role partner on this journey.”

Manasterny continues: “MSC certification has given Namibia hake a competitive edge, helping to meet the demand in existing markets as well as expand into new markets where retailers and brands preferentially stock MSC certified whitefish in line with consumer expectation.”

Miguel Angel Tordesillas of Novanam & Nueva Pescanova, also a Namibian hake producer, explained: “The fishing industry is very important to Namibia. Not only does it contribute roughly 7% to the Namibian GDP, it also employs in the region of 16,000 people in direct jobs, and indirectly, you could easily use a coefficient of three. Of this, the hake industry is the biggest constituency of the Namibian fishing industry.”

Mr. Tordesillas, who also serves on the MSC’s global Stakeholder Advisory Council, added: “I'm most proud of two things. First is the fact that we got recertified which means we are still meeting the high standards set by the MSC.

Secondly, the way in which the hake industry has put aside our natural competitiveness which allowed us to work together in ensuring continued good practice, transparency and building trust in the way we look after the ocean.” The MSC works with fisheries around the world to combat overfishing, including six MSC certified African fisheries supplying the global seafood supply chain with sustainable hake and tuna.