According to figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, illegal pilchard bycatch has surged from 608 tonnes in 2020 to more than 11,000 tonnes in both 2024 and 2025. This increase occurs despite a continued moratorium on pilchard fishing.
The data, verified through official ministry reports, indicates that the bycatch—fish caught unintentionally while targeting other species—has reached alarming levels. The moratorium, initially imposed to allow pilchard stocks to recover, has not prevented the sharp rise in incidental catches.
Environmental groups have expressed concern over the sustainability of Namibia's marine resources, calling for stricter enforcement and monitoring of fishing practices. The ministry has not yet announced new measures to address the bycatch issue.
