Phosphate mining may go ahead following an approved environmental clearance, but a researcher says strong monitoring will be critical to protecting Namibia's marine environment.

The Luderitz-based Marco Fishing (Pty Ltd) is continuing to lock out about 300 workers, amid a wage dispute.                                                              

The company management initiated the lock-out on 24 July.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia's fishing industry must do more to ensure that fish is accessible to Namibians, calling for stronger local fish markets across the country.

Discussions between President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and role players in the fishing industry have confirmed that the sector is unstable and facing a difficult transition.

Namibia's fishing industry, one of the biggest contributors to the economy, is heading into a transition.

Southern Namibia Hake fishing company temporary workers at Lüderitz, who were laid off two years ago, are demanding reinstatement.

Workers in the fishing industry are calling for urgent government intervention over what they call worsening working conditions and job insecurity.

The protesting workers handed over a petition to Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses.

The president of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA), Paulus Hango, says fishing industry workers are facing deteriorating working conditions, salary reductions, and possible job losses.

Fishing industry players have raised concerns regarding bycatch regulations, difficulties in replacing deceased shareholders, and the absence of a legal framework governing the small-scale fishing sector.

 The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), Inge Zaamwani, has called for collective efforts from stakeholders in the fishing industry to curb the declining country's fishing stock levels. 

The fishermen who undertook a crippling strike in 2015 at Walvis Bay have distanced themselves from the group of fishermen currently demonstrating in Windhoek.

The Chairperson of the Ex-Striking Okapare Fishermen, Godfried Kuhanga, made the clarification alongside other former striking fishermen.