Namibian government ministry overseeing fisheries regulation, monitoring, and marine resource management, including vessel tracking and quota allocation systems.
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July 2026
Windhoek Observer
Josephine Edwardworked atMinistry of Fisheries and Marine Resources specialising in ichthyoplankton research
Source
“Before establishing Lady Marine Consultancy, Edward worked at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, where she specialised in ichthyoplankton research, the study of fish eggs, larvae and the identification of critical spawning grounds that support the sustainability of Namibia's fisheries.”
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resourcesconfirmed in writing on 27 May 2026no sea-going vacancies existed
Source
“Merlus further said its fishing fleet is fully staffed and that the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources had confirmed in writing on 27 May 2026 that there were no sea-going vacancies.”
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resourcesoperatesthe satellite-based Vessel Monitoring System under the Marine Resources Act
Source
“The satellite-based system, operated under the Marine Resources Act, is used to monitor licensed fishing vessels within Namibia's waters and beyond, helping authorities combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing while supporting regional enforcement cooperation.”
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resourceshas intensifiedinland fisheries controls in the Zambezi Region
Source
“The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has in recent years intensified inland fisheries controls in the Zambezi Region, particularly along the Chobe-Zambezi floodplain system.”
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resourceswill receiveN$1 billion in FY2026/27
Source
“The minister also announced that the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources will receive N$1 billion in FY2026/27, of which N$579 million is allocated to the development budget.”
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resourceshas issuedmore than 148 aquaculture licences to date
Source
“It is estimated that the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has issued more than 148 aquaculture licences to date to spur the industry's growth.”
Josephine Edward, founder of Lady Marine Consultancy, calls for greater investment in ocean innovation and youth-led enterprises to unlock new industries and employment in Namibia's blue economy beyond traditional fishing. Edward, who studied at the University of Namibia and University of the Western Cape, previously worked at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources on ichthyoplankton research.
Josephine Edward, founder of Lady Marine Consultancy, calls for greater investment in ocean innovation and youth-led enterprises to unlock new industries and employment in Namibia's blue economy beyond traditional fishing. Edward, who studied at the University of Namibia and University of the Western Cape, previously worked at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources on ichthyoplankton research.
A group of 111 fishermen officially allocated to Merlus Cormorant Fishing Company under the Government Employment Redress Programme have been without employment, contracts, or salaries for five months. The Okapare Fishermen Association says the company has indicated only 40 positions are available, leaving the remaining workers' futures uncertain and their families facing severe financial hardship.
Merlus Cormorant Fishing company has rejected claims it owes five months' back pay to 111 fishermen under the Government Employment Redress Programme, stating no employment relationship exists because contracts have not been finalized. The company says it offered the workers onshore processing positions after its fishing fleet was fully staffed, and disputes claims it received a quota specifically for this group.
More than 430 workers at Etosha Fishing Corporation have been without meaningful employment for seven months due to absence of pilchard quota allocation. The 2026 pilchard season began on 1 April but no quota has been allocated, and similar delays occurred in 2025 when allocation came only in late August.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources' regional office in Walvis Bay to assess the Vessel Monitoring System, a satellite-based tool used to track licensed fishing vessels and combat illegal fishing. The system has enabled detection and arrest of vessels violating fisheries laws over 14 years, though officials briefed the President on challenges including high maintenance costs, legal framework gaps, and emerging maritime crimes.
Masubia Ngambela Raphael Mbala has warned of collapsing fish stocks in the Zambezi River due to destructive and illegal fishing methods, calling for urgent coordinated intervention by government and traditional authorities. He said depleted stocks threaten food security and livelihoods for communities dependent on fishing, while the Ministry of Fisheries has implemented seasonal bans, illegal gear confiscations, and joint patrols to protect breeding cycles.
The Mpungu fish farm in Kavango West, designed to produce 20 metric tonnes annually, has never exceeded five tonnes per year due to slow-growing native tilapia species, poor pond drainage, inadequate temperature conditions, and insufficient funding for repairs. Officials say overcoming the shortfall will require decisions on funding, management, and science that have been delayed.
Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah announced that pensioners will receive an additional N$100 from 1 April 2026, with N$447 million allocated to accommodate the increase. The announcement was made during the presentation of the Budget Statement for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament.