Namibian government ministry responsible for fisheries quota allocation, vessel monitoring, and marine resource management including the Sandpiper phosphate project review.
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Informanté
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources receives extensive information from fishing-right and quota holders about their businesses
“Kirchner argues that while fishing-right and quota holders are required to provide the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources with extensive information about their businesses, there is less visibility on how that information is ultimately used to determine allocations.”
Transparency should work both ways in Namibia’s fisheriesInformanté
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources conducted in 2025 small-pelagic survey estimating total sardine biomass at approximately 887,739 tonnes
“The 2025 Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources/Namibian Fisheries and Marine Resources Institute small-pelagic survey estimated total sardine biomass at approximately 887,739 tonnes, although with a coefficient of variation of 40%.”
Marine phosphate mining: Environmental impact certain, extent uncertainInformanté
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources conducted a 2025 survey estimating sardine biomass at approximately 887,739 tonnes
“A 2025 Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources/Namibia Fisheries and Marine Resources Institute survey estimated total sardine biomass at approximately 887 739 tonnes, with a coefficient of variation of 40%.”
Independent scientist questions economic case for Sandpiper phosphate projectWindhoek Observer
Josephine Edward worked at Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources specialising in ichthyoplankton research
“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.”
YOUNG OBSERVER | Marine biologist calls for greater investment in youth-led ocean innovationWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources confirmed in writing on 27 May 2026 no sea-going vacancies existed
“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.”
Merlus rejects claims over unpaid GERP fishermenInformanté
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources operates the satellite-based Vessel Monitoring System under the Marine Resources Act
“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.”
President assesses maritime monitoring effortsNew Era
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has intensified inland fisheries controls in the Zambezi Region
“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.”
Fish stocks collapse in ZambeziInformanté
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources will receive N$1 billion in FY2026/27
“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.”
Pensioners to receive N$100 increaseThe Namibian
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has issued more than 148 aquaculture licences to date
“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.”
Namibia’s economy in my eyesA fisheries management scientist argues that Namibia should increase transparency in how fishing quotas and rights are allocated, noting that while applicants must provide extensive business information to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, there is limited visibility into how that information is used to determine allocations.
6 October 2026 · Informanté →
A fisheries management scientist argues that Namibia should increase transparency in how fishing quotas and rights are allocated, noting that while applicants must provide extensive business information to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, there is limited visibility into how that information is used to determine allocations.
6 October 2026 · Informanté →
An independent review by fisheries management scientist Dr Carola Kirchner argues that the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project requires a separately assessed land-based beneficiation component and a full-project feasibility assessment covering costs, product prices, financing, and the value to be retained in Namibia. Kirchner contends that because the ecological consequences of marine phosphate mining remain difficult to quantify, the corresponding national benefits should be substantial and demonstrable enough to justify the environmental risk — a threshold she says has not yet been met.
15 September 2026 · Informanté →
An independent review finds that the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project's economic case remains incomplete, with updated financial, environmental and fisheries assessments needed before its projected benefits can be established. The review notes that while available evidence does not support declaring the project uneconomic, it also lacks sufficient basis to establish the scale and durability of its benefits, citing concerns over phosphate price volatility and a 20-year operating life.
5 September 2026 · Informanté →
Vigor Biotechnologies, a Chinese-owned company in Henties Bay specialising in extracting omega-3 oils from seals, has filed a High Court case seeking repayment of over N$500,000 in upfront payments to Great Karas Seals (Pty) Ltd, claiming the local company failed to deliver seal quotas as agreed.
25 August 2026 · Informanté →
Independent fisheries management scientist Dr Carola Kirchner says available evidence on Sandpiper Marine Phosphate mining is incomplete and partly outdated, citing the project's exposure to commodity-price volatility over its proposed 20-year mine life and unresolved questions about the land-based processing facility and freshwater requirements as key concerns.
18 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Kamutjonga Inland Fisheries Institute, located on the Kavango River in Kavango East Region, conducts scientific research, fish population monitoring and aquaculture development to ensure sustainable management of Namibia's freshwater resources. The institute, established in 2008 and now part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, focuses on freshwater fish communities, conservation and fisheries ecology to benefit current and future generations.
1 August 2026 · Informanté →
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.
10 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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.
25 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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.
20 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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.
18 June 2026 · Informanté →
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.
25 April 2026 · Informanté →
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.
9 March 2026 · New Era →
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.
6 March 2026 · New Era →
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.
28 February 2026 · Informanté →