Aquaculture sector has growth potential – Mukapuli

A parliamentary report has highlighted several obstacles facing aquaculture projects in Namibia that should be addressed to increase the productivity of fish farming in Namibia.

The report follows a visit by the Standing Committee on Natural Resources in May this year to the Department of Fisheries’ aquaculture projects in Kavango East, Kavango West, Omusati, Oshana, Omahke and Karas districts.

The report, which contained recommendations for aquaculture projects under the Fisheries Department, was submitted by SWAPO MP Hilaria Mukapuli.

“To achieve its objectives, the committee visited and held meetings with regional governors, regional councils and staff of the Department of Fisheries, held meetings with communities (cooperatives) managing fish farms, besides conducting field visits to all fish farms and research centres,” she said.

Development potential

The MP noted that there is potential to “tap into demand and produce fish for local consumption and export”.

“Introducing aquaculture remains a noble idea, capable of growing exponentially and feeding the entire nation, although achieving the goal will require significant investment,” she said. “Despite the challenges, fish farms continue to operate, providing much-needed protein to locals at an affordable price.”

However, various challenges are affecting the industry’s production capacity.

obstacle

Highlighting some of the challenges observed by the committee, Mukapli said: “Fish production is seasonal due to the lack of plastic coverings and roofs for greenhouses required for year-round fish production, thus limiting the maximum production capacity of fish farms.”

She explained that plastic roofs aren’t durable enough to withstand strong winds — especially in the South.

“As a result, they keep getting blown off and broken in fish farms.”

Furthermore, she said the committee was aware that poor quality feed from Zambia had impacted production capacity and that “budgetary constraints to repair damaged equipment and ponds” limited fish farms from reaching full production levels.

“Fishmeal is in limited supply and expensive because companies mainly produce it for the export market.”

Mukapli stressed the committee’s understanding of the ministry’s actions on the regulation and control of aquaculture and inland fisheries activities for sustainable utilization and development.