Namibia’s fisheries sector is at a turning point, facing pressures from overfishing, pollution and climate change. To confront these challenges, the International University of Management (IUM) hosted a two-day Sustainable Fisheries Seminar in Walvis Bay (10 -11 September 2025), bringing together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders and students to find solutions for one of Namibia’s most important industries.
Officiated by Hon. Prof.
David Namwandi, Founder and Council Chair of IUM, the seminar highlighted the
urgent need for solutions. Hon. Prof. Namwandi cautioned against repeating past
mistakes, noting the collapse of Namibia’s pilchard stock as a lesson in
responsible management. “We need to locally address overfishing so that global
figures can improve,” said Hon. Prof. Namwandi.
The seminar was coordinated
by Ms. Martha Aimwata, IUM Coastal Campus Director alongside Ms. Hilinganye
Annastasia Andreas the Sustainable Fisheries Project Lead as well as the IUM Department
of Sustainable Ocean and Aquaculture Management (SOAM) including IUM SOAM
Student Society. Presentations by various delegates highlighted the significance
of fisheries, aquaculture innovation and strategies for sustainable ocean
management.
The high-level seminar was made possible with funding from
the Global Youth Climate Action Fund through the Walvis Bay Municipality,
underlining the importance of youth driven solutions in addressing climate and
sustainability challenges. More than 400 IUM students are currently enrolled
in fisheries-related programmes and their participation in the seminar underscored the importance of
linking academic training with industry opportunities.
Key message from the
Seminar: Namibia must urgently strengthen its fisheries and aquaculture sectors
as to protect its oceans; provide opportunities for young people; reduce
unemployment and strengthen national food security.