Ministry warns against wrongdoings

Fishermen were reminded again this week to take out recreational fishing permits which they must present together with all relevant documents to fisheries inspectors on request. It is the responsibility of the anglers to ensure that they carry the required permits with them at all times when they have lines in the water. The Namibian Coast Conservation and Management Project (NACOMA) took a pre-emptive step to ensure that all holidaymakers, in particular anglers and offroaders, are familiar with Namibian regulations, to prevent any incident from spoiling a family’s fun while on vacation. Peter Shivute, Chief Control Fisheries Inspector and Stanley Ndara of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources were present to issue a statement to inform the public regarding the marine regulations during the holidays.

These regulations will be strictly enforced. Shivute said “Staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources are designated to ensure that visitors comply with regulations implemented to safeguard our marine resources and the environment as per the Marine Resources Act.” “Anglers are urged to take out recreational fishing permits and they must present it with all relevant documents to fisheries inspectors on request during inspections. Please ensure that you further familiarize yourselves with size and bag limits of [the] different marine resources” said Shivute. He urged the public to refrain from buying any sea products from unregistered vendors, as there are syndicates who trade in marine resources illegally. Shivute asked the public not to be hostile towards law enforcement officials during the execution of their duties, saying “all they do is to fulfil the mandate given to them by you as responsible citizens.” During the conference NACOMA, on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism also raised awareness of the Dorob National Park rules and regulations ahead of the festive season. NACOMA’s Coordinator, Rod Braby said that the Dorob National Park rules and regulation pamphlet of December 2013 is applicable this year and includes maps indicating relevant routes to access certain areas well as guidelines for offroad driving and visiting ecologically sensitive areas. “The regulations will give clarity to the public about what is allowed in the park. The basic intention of these regulations is to protect the unique biodiversity while simultaneously allowing regulated activities to minimize land degradation,” said Braby. He encouraged the general public to act as responsible litter-free custodians who take care of the country’s most important and sensitive assets for now and in the future.