Namibia's fisheries sector is facing growing challenges, from overfishing to climate change.  This week, experts, policymakers, and industry leaders gathered at Walvis Bay for a two-day Sustainable Fisheries Seminar.

The event, led by Professor David Namwandi, aimed to find lasting solutions to protect the country's marine resources. From scientists and students to policymakers and industry leaders, this was a gathering of minds unified by a common concern: the future of Namibia's oceans.

Professor Namwandi described the seminar as a platform not only for discussing problems but also for designing practical solutions. He warned that Namibia's fisheries resources face increasing threats from illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change.  "According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, overfishing affected 35.5% of fish stocks as of 2021. We need to locally address overfishing so that global figures can improve. In light of this, we are expecting, therefore, to be informed about factors that led to the collapse of the pilchard stock off our coast to devise better management strategies for our Agriculture stocks that are still supporting important fisheries."

Leader of the Sustainable Fishing Project, Hilinganye Andreas, and Martha Aimwata, Director of the IUM Coastal Campus, are concerned about the future of fisheries. During the event, scientists presented the latest research on the status of Namibia's fish stocks and the economic importance of the fisheries sector, which remains one of the country's most vital industries. 

With Namibia recently landing its first pilchard consignment after years of absence, stakeholders believe the timing could not be better.  The hope is that these discussions will guide Namibia toward sustainable management of its marine resources.