08 Sept is National Fish Consumption Day

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Bernand Esau this week declared 08 September as National Fish Consumption Day. The day is an initiative by the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust.
The aims of the National Fish Consumption day is to promote fish consumption amongst Namibians, increase consumer education around fish, promote fish species, teach Namibians how to clean fish and create awareness around the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust and the fishing industry as a whole.
The first National Fish Consumption Day will take place in Swakopmund, and will move to other regions each year thereafter. Various activities will take place leading up to 08 September. The day has been slated to fall on a Saturday to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Speaking at the official launch in Swakopmund, the minister said that the day will be celebrated annually and will take place in different regions each year.
“This year, the first region to pioneer the National Fish Consumption Day is the mighty Erongo Region, whereas the next region will be determined through a draw. On this note I should congratulate the Erongo Region for being the first region to host the National Fish Consumption Day,” he said.
In celebration of the day, a coastal roadshow promoting fish consumption will start on 28 August and run until Friday 07 September. The show will visit the seven main towns in the region, Arandis, Henties Bay, Karibib, Omaruru, Swakopmund, Usakos as well as Walvis Bay.
The Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust said it will also establish a SMS voting poll to invite the public to vote for either Kabeljou, Steenbraas or Horse Mackerel as the national fish species. The voting lines are open and the public can send the name of their preferred fish species to 44044.
The minister also urged the nation particularly the coastal region to welcome the National Fish Consumption Day with open hearts, to ensure that they are well informed about the importance and benefits of fish consumption.
“The government of Namibia has recognised the importance of the fisheries sector and the major role it plays in contributing to our national development, food security, the improvement of livelihoods and its important contribution towards the realisation of Vision 2030 through the achievement of our National Development Plan goals,” he said.