Government limits trawling relaxation to narrow zone
The ministry of fisheries has limited the relaxation of trawling inside the 200-metre isobath to a defined zone. In a media release issued on 3 May, the ministry says fishing in waters shallower than the 200-metre isobath, up to the 150-metre isobath, will only be allowed between latitudes 22°S and 24°S. “The temporary relaxation allowing […] The post Government limits trawling relaxation to narrow zone appeared first on The Namibian.
Black News 
The ministry of fisheries has limited the relaxation of trawling inside the 200-metre isobath to a defined zone.
In a media release issued on 3 May, the ministry says fishing in waters shallower than the 200-metre isobath, up to the 150-metre isobath, will only be allowed between latitudes 22°S and 24°S.
“The temporary relaxation allowing trawling in waters shallower than the 200m isobath, up to the 150m isobath, by the wet-landed horse mackerel subsector, is strictly limited to the zone between latitudes 22˚S and 24˚S,” says ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda
Muyunda says the latest statement was issued to address confusion around how the decision will be applied.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform wishes to clarify misunderstandings regarding a Cabinet decision on the temporary relaxation of the prohibition of trawling within the 200m isobath,” he says.
The ministry adds that offshore areas beyond the 200-metre isobath south of latitude 22°S remain open to all operators.
Muyunda says zones for the wet-landed horse mackerel subsector will be identified.
“The zones for exclusive use by the wet-landed horse mackerel subsector will be identified at a later stage following extensive consultations with the fishing industry and other relevant stakeholders,” he says.
Muyunda says the clarification sets out where the relaxation applies and confirms that the measure remains temporary and subject to further consultation.
Cabinet recently approved the temporary relaxation for the wet-landed horse mackerel subsector, allowing vessels to fish up to 150 metres deep from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2027.
The 200-metre isobath has been used as a management tool to protect fish breeding areas, but the government plans to formalise the restriction into law.
Muyunda has previously said the prohibition will be gazetted by September as a long-term measure, with the current relaxation serving as an interim arrangement.
The post Government limits trawling relaxation to narrow zone appeared first on The Namibian.
