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

During the groundbreaking of the Vigor Biotechnology Production Facility, industry stakeholders declared their commitment to protecting marine ecosystems, complying with environmental laws, and developing high-value seal products.

However, the Chairman of the Wet Landed Small Pelagic Association, Johny Doeseb, has expressed concern over an increase in the population of brown fur seals along the shoreline of Namibia, from the Orange River to the Kunene Region's coast.

According to Doeseb, Namibia is home to over 3 million seals, the largest colony on the African coast.

He noted that the peak breeding season from October to December results in large numbers of seal pups being left vulnerable onshore while adult females go out to sea to feed.

These pups often fall prey to opportunistic predators like jackals and hyenas.

Doeseb emphasized the urgent need for population control, stating that male seals consume nearly twice as much fish as Namibia's fishing companies, threatening fish stocks and contributing to the extinction of certain marine species.

"Since independence, Namibia has witnessed very explosive growth of the seal population. At independence, we had roughly over one hundred and ninety thousand seals according to scientific data. Currently, it is estimated that we have over 3 million seals roaming the shores of Namibia from Kunene to the Orange River, pioneering an innovative approach by Vigor Biotechnology."

Despite these concerns, the industry's declaration also highlights goals to build a globally competitive Namibian brand, create jobs, and empower communities through skills development and technology transfer.

The seal fur industry aims to position Namibia as a model for ethical, sustainable marine resource utilization that supports both environmental stewardship and economic progress.