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.

Scientists have raised questions regarding some of the environmental claims surrounding Kelp Blue's giant kelp cultivation project off Lüderitz.

They claim that the presence of marine species around the farm alone does not prove population recovery.

The Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa became the centre of global ocean discussions as the 11th Our Ocean Conference officially got underway.

The conference brings together world leaders, policymakers, scientists, investors and conservationists to discuss the future of the world's oceans.

The Wet Landed Small Pelagic Association has defended a Cabinet decision to relax restrictions in parts of the 200-metre fishing zone, saying the move protects jobs and grows onshore fish processing.

The Wet Landed Small Pelagic Association commended the government for introducing a strict 2% bycatch threshold for fishing companies.

If a vessel is not licensed to land certain marine species, only 5% are permitted to be caught as bycatch.

Cabinet has given the go-ahead to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to implement measures aimed at reducing bycatch and protecting Namibia's marine resources.

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.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruth Masake, commended the organisers of the 18th Lüderitz Crayfish Festival for a well-organised festival.

Masake, together with her delegation, toured corporate and SME stalls at the Lüderitz Waterfront.

Namibia's seal fur industry has pledged to uphold sustainability and drive economic growth through innovation and value addition.

The National Assembly is working to find solutions to the growing seal population, which threatens the country's fish stock.