The 2023 National Fish Consumption Survey indicates that the Hardap Region remains one of the leading meat-consuming regions in Namibia, with fish consumption still seen as a luxury. 

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, says this may be due to a lack of information on fish preparation, limited access, or other meats being more readily available.

Klazen was speaking at the National Fish Consumption Day Gala Dinner that was held at Walvis Bay, where about N$530,000 was raised.

The money raised at the gala dinner will be used to advance educational development in the Hardap Region.

Klazen urged all stakeholders in the fishing industry to be impactful and ensure that the upcoming celebrations in Hardap are successful.

"Although the Gala Dinner is taking place here tonight, it is important to emphasise that the National Fish Consumption Day celebrations will be held in Mariental. Therefore, let us honour the children of the Hardap Region with our generous contributions this evening. In the same light, I would like to plead with the fishing companies to join NFCPT on the 21st of September in Mariental for the Market Day."

Hardap Governor Salomon April said education is intrinsically linked to economic growth, influencing economic returns. 

The National Fish Consumption Day is an annual celebration that highlights the crucial role the fishery sector plays in Namibia's socio-economic development and promotes fish consumption.

The event was held under the theme "Nourishing Communities, Sustaining Futures."