The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources says the high number of by-catches landed by quota holders is an indication of unsustainable management.

Derek Klazen expressed concern during his annual industry address at Walvis Bay, where he accused companies of deliberately landing hake, horse mackerel, and pilchard as bycatch products—species they have no right to catch.

"Something we observed in our records during the closure is that in October of the hake season, horse mackerel are targeting the hake while the hake is trying to grow. They are targeting the hake. The facts are there, and some phenomena are coming up strong. I had a discussion about how pilchards are also being caught on very high scales by horse mackerel. This is alarming to us. The ministry is considering strengthening these measures."

Klazen further noted that there are some specific rights holders who continuously catch fish species beyond their allocated quotas.

"Rights holders are cautioned that the Ministry is observing, and this will have a negative impact on future allocations. Also, rights holders should note that their allocation will be reduced by a percentage equivalent to their overharvest from the previous fishing season. Don't come and cry; you caught what you caught, and next year you will get less."

The minister further cited illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing as another major problem experienced in the past 12 months.

"The Ministry has received alarming reports of an increase in incidences linked to or with potential links to IUU at our northern coastal border and has decided to dedicate up to 50% of our control, monitoring, and surveillance sea operations to the northern border with the Republic of Angola."

Klazen reiterated that the ministry will continue to deploy all resources at its disposal to deter any compromising fishing practices.