The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has moved to clarify recent Cabinet decisions affecting trawling activities along Namibia’s coastline, following confusion within parts of the fishing industry.

In a statement this week, the Ministry emphasised that the temporary relaxation of the 200-metre isobath restriction is strictly controlled, geographically limited, and applies only to the wet landed horse mackerel sub-sector. The measure covers a defined corridor between 22° South and 24° South latitude. According to Cabinet approval, as announced by Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology Emma Theofelus, trawling for wet-landed horse mackerel will be permitted in waters as shallow as 150 metres, but not shallower, for a period of 12 months, from 1 May to 30 April 2027.

Officials stressed that outside this designated zone, the existing prohibition on trawling within the 200-metre isobath remains fully in force. They also confirmed that offshore areas beyond the 200-metre depth south of 22° South remain open to all fishing operators, maintaining current access arrangements for the broader industry. The Ministry further clarified that while Cabinet has directed it to consider designating offshore areas for possible exclusive use by the wet landed sub-sector, no such zones have been finalised. Any future designations will follow a consultative process involving industry stakeholders. Industry players have welcomed the clarification but continue to call for consistent communication and regulatory certainty, noting the importance of stable policies for planning and investment, particularly in coastal hubs such as Walvis Bay. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to balancing economic opportunity with environmental sustainability, stating that Namibia’s marine resources must be managed to support both current livelihoods and long-term conservation goals.

By Rudi Bowe