Ministry of Fisheries overlooked FOA in Walvis Bay

A key fisheries watchdog got sidelined from its own sector talks in Walvis Bay, triggering friction over who gets a seat when new ocean rules are drafted.

FOA left out of Walvis Bay talks

• The Fisheries Observer Agency was absent when consultations kicked off.
• Stanley Ndara confirmed the agency was not invited initially.
• Ndara said the pattern had happened before and felt deliberate.
• An apology from the ministry came only after the issue surfaced.

Scope of proposed fisheries rules

• The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform organized the sessions.
• Discussions cover bottom depth trawling and longlining limits.
• Hake conservation, port state measures, and seal regulations are on the table.
• Marine mammals and marine-based tourism rules are also under review.

Late call and ministry response

• An FOA official said contact came on Tuesday morning after proceedings started.
• Ndara argued that the topics directly impact fisheries observers.
• Ueritjiua Kauaria described the exclusion as an oversight.
• Kauaria added that FOA staff are ministry employees and are later welcomed.