sustainability of our ressouces
Economic growth of our business is accompanied by ecological balance
of the oceanic ecosystem, it is therefore inevitable to sustain well grown
fishing populations and numerous measures to do so have been taken by
the Namibian government and most namibian fishing associations and companies.
Since consumers are becoming more and more aware of the importance of
sustainable ressources the namibian Gorvernment and fishing companies
are striving to become MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) awarded.
Since sustainability is a big issue to SEAWORK, we have already been acredited
with the MSC - Chain of Custody certificate. This entitles us to handle
MSC certified fish from sustainable ressources all over the globe, and
we are making sure, every product leaving our factory can be traced from
raw material level to the individual packing and sealing the product itself.
Nevertheless the following facts emphasize how well the atlantic coastline
is standing, especially the namibian exclusive economic zone:
The Namibian coast is approximately 1500km long and is arid desert along
its entire length. Because of the desert coastline, the Namibian coast
has few urban settlements, unlike most other coastlines in the world,
which tend to be very densely populated. The lack of dense settlements
means that there is not much pollution in Namibia’s marine waters, which
could adversely affect the marine ecosystem.
According to the FAO: " with 580.000 Km² Namibia has one of the
most productive fishing grounds in the world, based on the Benguela Current
System, one of the four eastern boundary up welling systems in the world"
Furthermore the namibian fishing industry is bound to very strict restrictions,
e.g. TAC (Total allowable catch quotas) which ensures the ecological balance
of the population during the fishing season.
In addition, Trawling for Hake is not permitted in less than 200 m depth, in order not to affect other species’ natural habitat and to minimize by-catch.
The conformity of the TAC’s is ensured by independent, government appointed fishery Inspectors, who must be present on every vessel at sea and on every landing of fish.
The closed season lasts for at least one or two months, September and October, depending on research results of stock Levels in order to ensure natural regeneration and to allow regrowth of populations.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources through its Directorate for Resources Management, continues to conduct annual scientific research aimed at quantification of the resources and the state of the environment.
Resource Management exists in FAO region 47 to provide advice and take action needed to manage the sustainable utilisation and conservation of living aquatic resources.
Existence of a limit on cod-end mesh size of 110mm to prevent young fish from being caught.
The WWF states that Namibian and South African Hake “is not being overfished
and is therefore a good choice when buying fish”
sources:
http://www.wwf.de/themen/meere-kuesten/fischerei/wwf-fischfuehrer/
http://209.88.21.55/opencms/export/sites/default/grnnet/MFMR/Laws_and
_Policies/docs/MarineRegulations.pdf
http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/FI-CP_NA/en

