The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) has criticised the government for competing unfairly against right holders, who are obligated to create jobs and add value to the industry.

Its chairperson, Matti Amukwa, says the government, which is exempt from applying for fishing quotas, has become the largest quota holder without the obligations that are placed on other right holders.

Amukwa was represented by Tunacor's Peya Hitula at a recent breakfast meeting at Walvis Bay.

Employees of Princess Brand Processors and Gendev at Walvis Bay have petitioned the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations.

The group is demanding a larger quota allocation from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to allow the companies to catch within the 200 meter restricted zone.

Princess Brand Processors and Gendev employees are not happy about their horse mackerel quota allocation.

They say since their quotas were reduced, their salaries were slashed in half because they only work about three days a week.

There is still disagreement over the restriction of fishing activities in the 200-meter zone between unions, the wet-landed horse mackerel sector, and the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations.

Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Derek Klazen says his ministry has not yet decided whether to allow the horse mackerel sector to operate in the restricted zone or not.

The opposing views were presented at the fisheries minister's annual address at Walvis Bay.

The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) has reiterated its resistance to fishing activities within restricted areas.

Requests to allow fishing in breeding areas from the Wet Landed Horse Mackerel Association are yet to be approved by the Cabinet.

Last month, the Wet Landed Horse Mackerel Association asked Cabinet to allow the sector to catch fish within the restricted 200-metre zone.

The association has warned that 1300 jobs are at risk because it is a struggle to land horse mackerel.