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.

There has been much controversy over marine phosphate mining, especially following the recent protest involving hundreds of people, mostly from the fishing industry at Walvis Bay.

Environmental expert Dr. Dietlinde Nakwaya-Jacobus has reviewed the latest Environmental Impact Assessment and describes it as comprehensive.

But the biggest concern is what happens once mining begins.

"Now, the only thing that I have a reservation on is the ability of the Namibian Government, the Ministry of Forestry and Tourism, Environment, Forestry and Tourism, to be able to monitor, to inspect and to ensure that what is in the Environmental Management Plan will be followed by the investor and the developer when they start. That's where the big issue is, because if we can make sure that they are doing the right thing and we keep our eyes on them, then we can tell them to stop if things are getting out of hand. Or we can give them better conditions on how they can do it, because the Environmental Management Plan has all the potential impacts and the mitigation measures."

According to the expert, dredging could reduce oxygen levels and disturb marine life. Heavy metals in the seabed could also be released into the water.

She emphasised that continuous monitoring of water quality and marine conditions is critical.

The proposed monitoring would track oxygen levels, heavy metals and other indicators, with trigger levels requiring action if conditions deteriorate.

Dr Nakwaya-Jacobus also wants the mining company to fund monitoring and independent verification, alongside stronger government enforcement.

"Remember, nobody usually does the right thing without the watch. So we need the watch, a proper watch on this if it has to go on."

The challenge now is not only whether phosphate mining can proceed, but also whether the country has the monitoring and enforcement needed to ensure it is done responsibly.