STAFF WRITER
The Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to introduce stiff penalties to companies that exceed the allowable bycatch in a bid to safeguard the country’s marine resources.
According to Cabinet decisions released on Thursday, the government wants the Ministry of Agriculture,Fisheries and Land Reform to reduce bycatch levels and implement measures to safeguard Namibia’s marine resources.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Emma Theofelus said part of the measures approved by cabinet include the implementation of a 2% bycatch threshold m allowable to be retained by the company.
Theofelus said those caught violating set thresholds will risk Quota deductions in future.
She said bycatches exceeding the 2% threshold will be liable for bycatch fees and forfeiture at no cost to the Government for Governmental objectives.
Cabinet also wants the ministry of Fisheries to Increase the bycatch percentage fees from 15% to 50% as per Section 44 of the Marine Resources Act 2000.
“License revocation for habitual offenders – licence suspensions either temporary or permanently depending on the severity of violations and Quota deductions for severe violations or repeated violations, authorities should be implemented,” she said.
The Cabinet also wants an annual public listing of bycatch violators to discourage non-compliance.
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