Seaflower Pelagic Processing, the partly state-owned company through Fishcor, lost the case in which it tried to stop Government from auctioning more than 24 000 metric tonnes of horse mackerel. This came as Government announced earning more than N$627 million from the auction for the disposal of fishing quota. The company argued that its agreement with Fishcor ensures that it would receive 50 000 metric tonnes of horses mackerel annually, until 2033. Deputy Judge President Hosea Angula dismissed the urgent application and directed the company to pay the legal costs of the respondents, who are the ministers of Fisheries, Finance and of Public Enterprises, as well as Fishcor. In June and August this year, Government awarded Seaflower Pelagic 5 000 and 4 000 metric tonnes for exclusive use in its factories in order to ensure the company does not lay of its more than 600 workers. The company is reportedly now intending to continue with its retrenchment exercise.