Namibia’s Fishing Industry Collaborates Globally to Tackle Food Insecurity and Unemployment

by Fishery News

In response to escalating food insecurity and unemployment, Namibia’s fishing industry is forging partnerships with international allies to confront these pressing challenges. The collaborative initiative aims to minimize seafood loss and waste, optimize the value of marine resources, and generate job opportunities for coastal communities.

Globally, more than one-third of seafood is lost or wasted, as reported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Additionally, over 92 percent of global fisheries are harvested at or above maximum sustainable yield levels. Much of this loss occurs at sea and during processing, with some by-products converted into fishmeal or fish oil.

The Namibia Ocean Cluster, a multi-stakeholder organization, is set to work in conjunction with the global Ocean Action Agenda, an initiative by the World Economic Forum. Their goal is to explore methods to enhance the utilization of post-harvest seafood losses and maximize socioeconomic benefits. The fishing sector is a cornerstone of Namibia’s economy, contributing 3.6 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Presently, substantial quantities of Namibian fisheries’ by-products, such as heads, internal organs, skins, and frames, are discarded at sea. Research from 2018 revealed that approximately 33 percent of seafood was lost during the heading and eviscerating process commonly employed by industrial fisheries.

To address this issue, six founding companies within the hake fishery, including Embwinda Fishing, Hangana Seafood, Merlus Seafood Processors, NovaNam, Pereira Seafood Company, and Seawork, have joined forces to explore methods to capture, land, and process these raw materials into value-added products.

The initiative, known as the Namibia Ocean Cluster Working Group, has secured funding from the United Kingdom’s Blue Planet Fund and aims to launch in January 2024. Its mission is to establish a collaborative forum for the Namibian seafood sector and allied stakeholders to work towards maximizing the utilization of all seafood post-harvest.

 

Thor Sigfusson, Founder and CEO of the Iceland Ocean Cluster, which successfully increased utilization of its cod fishery, commended Namibia’s commitment to minimizing seafood losses and maximizing socioeconomic value. Sigfusson emphasized the importance of this movement for sustainable fisheries management, good business practices, and planet-appropriate food systems.

Namibia’s endeavours align with the global 100% Fish Movement, which seeks to inspire seafood stakeholders to increase the use and value of each fish, create new business opportunities, boost employment, and reduce waste. This movement has already spurred innovations in Iceland, such as wound dressings, nutraceuticals, and a popular cola-style drink made from fish by-products.

Namibia’s leadership in repurposing fish by-products has the potential for positive regional and global impacts. As coastal nations worldwide explore fish by-product innovation, the collaborative effort in Namibia may serve as a model for sustainable fisheries and resource utilization, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Shares