Govt 50% bycatch levy hike alarms industry
The fishing industry has warned that the government’s proposal to increase the bycatch levy from 15% to 50% could threaten the viability of companies. The industry says this would ultimately lead to job losses and force vessels to stop operating. Bycatch refers to fish or other marine species caught in an attempt to catch other […] The post Govt 50% bycatch levy hike alarms industry appeared first on The Namibian .
The fishing industry has warned that the government’s proposal to increase the bycatch levy from 15% to 50% could threaten the viability of companies.
The industry says this would ultimately lead to job losses and force vessels to stop operating.
Bycatch refers to fish or other marine species caught in an attempt to catch other species.
The warning follows the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform’s request for approval to introduce tougher measures aimed at tightening control over fishing activities and protecting marine resources.
Namibian Hake Association chairperson Matti Amukwa says the industry fears the proposed measures would have financial and operational consequences.
“The consequences would be immediate and severe: tied‑up vessels, job losses, and the collapse of operations that have supported coastal communities for decades. Members anticipate multimillion‑dollar write‑offs on almost every trip, extended periods of vessel inactivity, and the potential collapse of the sector,” Amukwa says.
