Namibia Records Surge in Illegal Pilchard Bycatch Despite Moratorium
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform in Namibia has reported a dramatic increase in illegal pilchard bycatch, rising from 608 tonnes in 2020 to over 11,000 tonnes in both 2024 and 2025. Specifically, 11,397 tonnes were recorded in 2025 involving 16 vessels, slightly down from 11,571 tonnes by 20 vessels in 2024. This surge is a major concern as pilchards remain under a strict moratorium to protect marine biodiversity and prevent stock collapse. Officials suggest the increase may indicate scarcity of target species or intentional landing for economic value. The Fisheries Observer Agency highlights systemic issues, noting that current penalties are insufficient deterrents due to legislative ambiguities and slow enforcement. Repeated violations by specific companies suggest systematic patterns rather than random occurrences. In response, the Cabinet has approved stricter measures, increasing penalties from 15% to 50% of the landed value per kilogram of bycatch. This development occurs amidst ongoing debates regarding trawling restrictions within the 200m isobath to safeguard breeding grounds.
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Namibia Records Surge in Illegal Pilchard Bycatch Despite Moratorium
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform in Namibia has reported a dramatic increase in illegal pilchard bycatch, rising from 608 tonnes in 2020 to over 11,000 tonnes in both 2024 and 2025. Specifically, 11,397 tonnes were recorded in 2025 involving 16 vessels, slightly down from 11,571 tonnes by 20 vessels in 2024. This surge is a major concern as pilchards remain under a strict moratorium to protect marine biodiversity and prevent stock collapse. Officials suggest the increase may indicate scarcity of target species or intentional landing for economic value. The Fisheries Observer Agency highlights systemic issues, noting that current penalties are insufficient deterrents due to legislative ambiguities and slow enforcement. Repeated violations by specific companies suggest systematic patterns rather than random occurrences. In response, the Cabinet has approved stricter measures, increasing penalties from 15% to 50% of the landed value per kilogram of bycatch. This development occurs amidst ongoing debates regarding trawling restrictions within the 200m isobath to safeguard breeding grounds.
The Namibian