The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has clarified that the 2026 Total Allowable Catch for horse mackerel was determined through a statutory, consultative and science-based process. 

The ministry's explanation follows claims of secretive quota cuts.

 In a statement issued on Tuesday in response to an article published by a local newspaper on Monday, the ministry said the horse mackerel TAC for the 2026 fishing season has been set at 197 000 metric tonnes as approved by Cabinet.

The TAC represents a five percent reduction from the 2025 allocation of 208 000 metric tonnes. 

According to the ministry, the reduction is a precautionary management decision aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the stock.

The statement said the five percent decrease is a proactive and precautionary management decision, which reflects its commitment to responsive and science-based fishery management to ensure the stock's long-term health.

Addressing allegations of over-catching, the ministry said any companies found to have exceeded their previous limits have had those amounts deducted based on reconciled data from the 2024 season.

On the allocation of freezer and wet fish quotas, the ministry said allocations were aligned with the nature of investments made by rights holders following consultations with the fishing industry. 

This approach was adopted to reduce operational inefficiencies.

The ministry said historically it allocated a combination of both to right holders.

However, following consultations with the fishing industry, it was unanimously agreed that quota allocations should be aligned with the nature of investments made.

The statement said the approach was used to reduce operational inefficiencies and cut out repeated requests for quota conversions.

The ministry reaffirmed its devotion to transparency, lawful governance and the sustainable management of Namibia's marine resources.