Fishing industry players have raised concerns regarding bycatch regulations, difficulties in replacing deceased shareholders, and the absence of a legal framework governing the small-scale fishing sector.

They shared these concerns during an engagement session with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, in Luderitz.

Karaku Marine Director Ignatius Tjipura said, "Already, within what we are now, you know we are fighting here and there, but now we have calmed down. But now, if you try to get other people to try and get points for the youth (criteria), it will not work."

"There is one pertinent challenge, to really have the small-scale fishing sector within the legal framework," said Samuel Herero, an angler. 

NOVANAM Managing Director, Miquel Tordesillas, stated that "The blanket percentage for bycatch across the board will necessarily not work; that would endanger what the fishermen would do or would not do. So, my contribution there is, perhaps we should look at it on a species-to-species basis in bycatch." 

These were some of the suggestions raised by stakeholders.

Acting Director in the ministry, Ndesheetelwa Shitenge highlighted that "By-catches are a sustainable measure, a punitive measure in a way. The idea is to deter overexploitation and to also conserve. Of course, the percentage you are to allocate for each fishery is going to speak to each of all those amenities with regard to that specific sub-sector."

Shitenge further urged small-scale fishing industry players to submit recommendations for the legal framework governing their sector.

She noted that rights holders who fail to meet inclusive shareholding requirements will score lower, affecting their quota allocations.

Fisheries Minister Zaamwani wants the fishing industry players with the ministry to be aligned in understanding challenges, developing solutions and implementing them. 

"I want to be at the stage where the fishing industry is saying you should do more to protect us, we are facing competition. I am happy, Mr Tordesillas, you said we must look at our white paper. It has been long on the shelf, and things have changed, so it is about time to also review our policies so that they speak to our current challenges."