The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) champions sustainable development and marine conservation, collaborating with various stakeholders to protect biodiversity in Namibia’s rich marine ecosystems. One standout initiative is their partnership with the Albatross Task Force (ATF) to reduce seabird bycatch in the hake fishery.

The hake fishery landscape

Namibia’s hake fishery is vital to its economy, contributing over N$30 billion annually and employing over 10,000 people. With a total allowable catch (TAC) of 160,000 metric tons in the 2020/2021 season, vessels use longlines and trawls to catch fish, inadvertently attracting seabirds like albatrosses and Cape gannets. Unfortunately, these birds often suffer fatal accidents from baited hooks and trawl cables.
In 2010, the ATF estimated that 30,000 seabirds were killed annually in Namibian waters, making this fishery the deadliest for seabirds worldwide.

Collaborative solutions

Recognising the urgency, NNF, BirdLife South Africa, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources formed the ATF Namibia
project. Their goal? To reduce seabird bycatch through simple, effective measures like bird-scaring lines that deter birds from dangerous areas.
In 2015, the Namibian government mandated the use of these lines for all hake vessels, a significant win for marine conservation. This collaboration led to two major achievements:

1. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification: In November 2020, Namibia’s hake fishery received MSC certification, indicating sustainable management practices and access to new global markets.
2. Dramatic reduction in seabird mortality: A study published in 2020 found a 98% reduction in seabird deaths in the longline fleet, with trawl vessels showing a 54% decrease.

Future directions

Looking ahead, the ATF and the Namibian Hake Association are exploring further measures to reduce seabird interactions, such as improved discard management and installing extension arms for easier deployment of bird-scaring lines. Trials are underway to assess these new strategies.
Led by passionate advocates like NNF Marine Coordinator Samantha Matjila and ATF senior instructor Titus Shaanika, this project is not only preserving seabird populations but also promoting healthier oceans.
The ongoing commitment to these conservation efforts aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. With sustained dedication, Namibia is poised to set a global example in marine conservation.