Namibian Aquaculture is an 'Infant With a Promise'

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr Abraham Iyambo, noted that aquaculture holds great potential for employment, business activity and exchange earnings. The fisheries minister was speaking at the fisheries and aquaculture conference in Swakobmund, which brings together experts from different countries to reflect on the past, present and future of the Namibian fisheries and aquaculture industry, reports New Era.

According to the Namibian news agency, he said the country has ample underground water resources, perennial rivers and dams that can be accessed for aquaculture. The long coast with pristine waters also has excellent marine conditions for oysters, abalone, mussels and finfish.

Describing the Namibian aquaculture industry as an infant with a promise, Iyambo said the sector holds potential for new businesses, such as pharmaceutical, construction, fish feed production and vegetable/crop growing. To this end, therefore, Government has put in place several policies to ensure a thriving aquaculture industry.

“We are irresistibly committed to building this industry. Future world fish production will come mainly from aquaculture. In the largest fishing nation in the world, China, over 70% of their total seafood production already comes from aquaculture … in Norway, aquaculture production in 2007 amounted to N$27 billion. Our aquaculture potential may not be as great as that of Norway, but Namibia’s potential is much greater than most people realise,” Iyambo said.