The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) has warned the government against auctioning fishing quotas.

Its Chairperson, Matti Amukwa, said the approach discourages the nationalisation of the industry.

Amukwa was speaking at the annual fishing industry address at Walvis Bay.

To generate income, the government in the past and as recently as last year auctioned fishing quotas where international and local companies placed bids.

However, the approach has faced criticism.

"Mainly operators without obligations can compete in such auctions, at the disadvantage of long-established companies employing thousands of Namibians as well as hundreds of Namibian right holders who are new to the fishing business. It is a lottery where no one can predict how much fish they will win in the next season."

Amukwa and other industry players further advised against the manner in which governmental objective quotas are auctioned, which has allegedly become frequent rather than on an emergency basis only.

According to them, the government has become the highest quota holder without obligations compared to rights holders, who are required to create jobs and add value to the fish.

"This is already leading to job losses and reduced value addition; instead of this being a random situation under emergencies, it has become routine."

Also contributing to the discussion was Vetaruhe Kandorozu, a local player in the fishing industry.

"How do we compete against our own power? We voted for you, and now we are competing with you. How does it work? Regulate the industry, and by doing that, we will own the vessel and run the business. We will push the Spanish, the Russians, and the Chinese out of the industry. Now you want to empower us, but at the same time, you are inviting the foreigners to come because they are the only people that can afford the government quota auctions programme, so please get out of the business."

Deputy Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Minister Ruth Masake said her office is open to ideas and concerns.

"I look forward to working closely with you and all stakeholders involved in a guided platform based on the president's call for the unity of resources, beneficiation, and youth empowerment. So the door is open, the platform is there, we have two EDs in the ministry, the channel needs to be followed, and my office is open for all you people."

The government auctioned fish, especially horse mackerel and hake, in recent years. 

The country made more than N$214 million in earnings in 2021, when 87,000 metric tonnes of horse mackerel were auctioned.