Some Members of Parliament in the National Assembly have voiced serious concerns about illegal fishing activities in the country’s ocean waters, the lack of investment commitment by quota beneficiaries, and the failure of local communities to benefit adequately from marine resources. 

These issues were highlighted during discussions on the Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ministry's budget, which stands at N$956 million.

Affirmative Repositioning MP Fredrick Shitana questioned who is consuming fish and seafood harvested from Namibian waters, as it is not sold or eaten locally, implying that valuable resources are being extracted without benefiting Namibians.

Swapo Party MPs Derek Klazen and James Uerikua strongly condemned illegal fishing, describing perpetrators as “pirates” who switch off vessel tracking systems to evade detection. Klazen noted that these vessels flee into neighbouring countries’ waters when pursued, which complicates enforcement efforts. Uerikua added that vessels harvest fish deep at sea, transfer catches to other boats, and thus avoid accountability.

Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani criticised the fishing quota system, pointing out that companies granted quotas often lack the vessels to fish, leaving local fishermen stranded. He lamented the unwillingness of these companies to seek financing to invest in the industry, contrasting it with other sectors where loans are sought to develop businesses.

In response, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani acknowledged the concerns and emphasised the ministry’s priority to increase “Namibianisation” of the fisheries sector. She stressed the need to ensure that benefits from marine resources reach communities directly rather than just individuals.