Using ratio of landings and total allowable catches as a proxy to evaluate fisheries management in Namibia

Abstract

Abstract by author:

Namibian fisheries were characterized by over-exploitations in the past (before gaining independence), as a result there was a marked decline in the major fishery stocks. The post-independence government took the responsibility of managing fishery stocks through efforts to rebuild them (fishery stocks) to sustainable levels. This was done through establishment and implementation of different measures aimed at the fishing industry. Hence, by analyzing data generated from the fishing industry (i. e. Landings and TAC's [Total allowable catch]), the ratio between the components, can give an expression on how effective has the fishery management measures progressed towards curbing overexploitations of fishery resources. In the analysis of five major commercial fish species, it was seen that hake (Merluccius capensis/paradoxus), and horse mackerel (Tranchurus capensis) have shown to have no cases of over-fishing since independence; this might be due to the fact that harvesting of the species has been in accordance with the set TAC's. However, species of pilchard (Sardinops sagax), rock lobster (Jasus lallandi) and red crab (Chaceon maritae) show the opposite as these species have experienced cases of over-fishing in some years. The study came to the conclusion that the fisheries management system in place in Namibia is unable to curb overexploitations (over-fishing) of some fish species, while in others species harvesting has been according to recommended sustainable levels (TAC's) hence, showing effectiveness