Regional experts warn that Namibia's outdated laws and weak penalties are making it harder to deter offenders in the fight against illegal fishing in the ocean.

A joint operation by the police, Namibian Defence Force (NDF), fisheries officials and conservancies has led to the seizure of fish caught illegally in the Zambezi Region valued at over N$92,000. 

Vessels caught fishing illegally in Namibian waters could soon face fines of up to N$10 million.

That's according to Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi, who said Cabinet has approved changes to strengthen the country's outdated fishing laws.

Information exchange among SADC countries is key in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

 A workshop at Walvis Bay brought together Namibia, Angola, and South Africa to improve interagency collaboration and risk assessment of fishing vessels.

The Wet Landed Small Pelagic Association has raised alarm over illegal fishing of pilchards, a species placed under a moratorium.

Its chairperson, Johnny Doëseb, believes some horse mackerel operators are deliberately targeting pilchards to maximise their profits.

Some Members of Parliament in the National Assembly have voiced serious concerns about illegal fishing activities in the country’s ocean waters, the lack of investment commitment by quota beneficiaries, and the failure of local communities to benefit adequately from marine resources. 

Senior officers of NamPol's border and infrastructure protection directorate are gathered in Rundu to, among others, look at strategies to combat cross-border crime.