The government has raised approximately N$29.1 million from the auction of 4 500 tonnes of pilchard and freezer monk fish quotas, with both species achieving prices above their respective reserve prices.

The results, released by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, show strong demand for monk fish, while part of the pilchard quota remained unallocated. The pilchard auction, held on 4 September 2026, offered 5 000 tonnes but attracted bids for only 3 500 tonnes. The entire 3 500 tonnes subscribed for was allocated, leaving 1 500 tonnes unallocated.

The auction generated N$13.87 million, including N$2 000 in application fees. The weighted average price was N$3 962.86 per tonne, compared with the reserve price of N$2 700.

The highest bid was N$4 310 per tonne, while the marginal price was N$3 500.

In contrast, the freezer monk fish auction held on 17 July was oversubscribed, with bids exceeding the 1 000-tonne quota offered.

The auction generated N$15.26 million, including N$6 000 in application fees. The weighted average price reached N$15 250 per tonne, against a reserve price of N$10 000.

The highest bid was N$15 400 per tonne, while the marginal price was N$12 000. The entire 1 000 tonnes was allocated, leaving no residual quota.

The differing results highlight contrasting demand for the two fisheries, with monk fish attracting substantially higher prices and the full allocation being taken up, while 1 500 tonnes of pilchard remained available.

By Rudi Bowe