Pescanova MSC Skinless Namibian Hake Fillet Hearts 4 pieces 330 g

Hand-in-Hand for Sustainable Hake: Namibian Fishery Secures Landmark Recertification

NAMIBIA
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Strengthening Global Supply and Local Livelihoods Through Gold-Standard Conservation

The Namibian hake fishery has officially achieved its second Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable whitefish production. This milestone ensures the continued protection of local biodiversity while meeting the rising international demand for ethically sourced seafood.

Spatial distribution of fishing positions for hake trawlers (Freezers (left), Wet fishers (middle) and Long-liners (right) during 2022. Depth contours represent 100, 200, 500 and 1000 m. Source: (NatMIRC, 2023). Click on the image to enlarge it

In 2020, the Namibia hake trawl and longline fishery—which targets two specific species, Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus—made history as the first fishery in Namibia and the second in Africa to meet the MSC’s science-based standards. This latest recertification follows a rigorous independent assessment by Control Union (UK) Limited, which evaluated stock health, management protocols, and ecosystem impacts.

A Legacy of Collaboration

Matti Amukwa, Chair of the Namibian Hake Association, noted that the achievement is the result of decades of cooperation. "Since Independence, the government, scientists, and industry have worked hand-in-hand to rebuild the hake resource," Amukwa stated.

Key pillars of this success include:

• Scientific Harvest Strategies: Catch targets are strictly aligned with scientific advice to ensure long-term stock rebuilding.

• International Cooperation: Namibian and South African hake trawl counterparts collaborate on shared M. paradoxus stock assessments.

• Rigorous Monitoring: High rates of on-sea observer coverage and effective land-based surveillance.

Schematic of double line system demersal longline. (source: https://www.srk.co.za )

Innovations in Biodiversity Protection

The fishery is also pioneering technology to protect marine life. Supported by the MSC’s Ocean Stewardship Fund, the industry is collaborating with international bio-acoustic expert Dr. Thomas Götz and technology firm GenusWave. Together, they are testing Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) to safely deter Cape fur seals from fishing vessels.

Michael Marriott, MSC Program Director for Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, praised the drive for innovation. "Namibia has shown a commitment to explore new technological innovations and safeguard the hake resource for the future," Marriott said.

Economic Impact and Market Growth

The MSC ecolabel has become a vital commercial asset. Tristan Przybylski of Seawork Fish Processors highlighted that the certification has opened "high-value markets" across Europe, where consumers prioritize environmental and ethical practices.

The fishing industry's contribution to the national economy remains substantial:

• GDP Contribution: Approximately 7% of Namibian GDP.

• Employment: 16,000 direct jobs, with an estimated 48,000 total jobs when factoring in indirect employment (using a coefficient of three).

• The Namibia Ocean Cluster: Launched in 2024 by six certified hake members to maximize harvest utilization and benefit coastal communities.

Miguel Angel Tordesillas of Novanam & Nueva Pescanova, who also serves on the MSC’s global Stakeholder Advisory Council, expressed pride in the industry's unity. "The hake industry has put aside natural competitiveness to work together in ensuring transparency and building trust in how we look after the ocean," he concluded.

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print