Fisheries Observer Agency calls for expanded observer coverage
Dr. Stanley Ndara of Namibia’s Fisheries Observer Agency is calling for increased observer coverage on fishing vessels to ensure regulatory compliance and data accuracy. He argues that the current lack of consistent deployment compromises scientific stock assessments and the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Why it matters
Strengthening the link between compliance and scientific data is essential for the sustainable management of marine resources and the fishing industry's economic future.
There is a need to expand the coverage of fisheries observers on vessels operating in Namibian waters. According to Dr Stanley Ndara, Chief Executive Officer of Namibia’s Fisheries Observer Agency, the long-term future of Namibia’s fishing industry depends on it.
However, he noted that fisheries observers are currently not being effectively deployed on vessels.
He made this argument during a panel discussion at the Fisheries Indaba, which recently took place in Walvis Bay. The event aimed to bring stakeholders in the fisheries sector together to facilitate discussions.
Ndara highlighted that there are about 230 licensed fishing vessels operating in Namibian waters, with 117 fisheries observers based between Walvis Bay and Lüderitz who need to be deployed on these fishing vessels.
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