Namibia

Our research in Namibia seeks to learn from people who rely on the ocean, in order to understand the pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems and ensure that the blue economy supports sustainable ‘blue’ communities.

White pelican by the pier in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Photo: Laura Meriläinen

The coast of Namibia is part of an exceptionally rich marine ecosystem, supporting one for the most productive fisheries areas in the Atlantic. This ecosystem supports the economically important commercial and recreational fishing sectors, which contribute approximately 3.5% of Namibian GDP. Shore-based recreational fishing is the lifeblood of the coastal communities of central Namibia, providing a critical source of tourism, income and food.

Namibia is developing a policy and action plan for the development of the country’s sustainable blue economy. Implementation of this plan requires a deep understanding of the ecosystem, and ecosystem services on which coastal communities are reliant, and communities’ needs and benefits related to the ocean.

Our research seeks to learn from people who rely on the ocean, in order to understand the pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems and ensure that the blue economy supports sustainable ‘blue’ communities. We aim to advance understanding of the value of marine ecosystem services within Namibian waters, which sustain key sectors such as the recreational line fishery.

In parallel, we will support the long-term sustainability of the recreational and subsistence fishing sectors by working with the angling community and management authorities to develop, and implement, environmentally sustainable practices, behaviours, and monitoring systems.

In Namibia the blue economy concept is anchored in SDG 14: Life below water
Namibia has one of the most productive fishing industries in Africa due to the presence of the Benguela current

Latest news & blogs from Namibia

Workshops on climate change and Marine Spatial Planning held in Namibia

In September 2023, Hub researchers in Namibia held a series of workshops in partnership with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas, UK) under the theme “fair and inclusive decision-making for a healthy ocean whereby people and planet flourish”. In the workshops, the researchers engaged with fishers, managers, scientists, policy makers and anyone […]

Hooked on Namibia: recreational angling, small-scale fisheries and the blue economy

Recreational angling (defined here as fishing that is not the individual’s main source of food and is not generally sold) is a significant industry in Namibia, with thousands of anglers visiting every year to take part in either rock-and-surf or ski-boat angling. Recreational angling provides a myriad of economic, social, and ecological benefits to society. […]

Just published: Paper on climate change risk to Namibia’s diverse fisheries sectors 

What are the key risks from climate change to Namibia’s various fisheries sectors  and how could fisheries adapt to climate change? A brand-new One Ocean Hub paper has just been published, titled “Climate risk assessment of the fisheries in Namibia.” It is the outcome of a close collaboration between a twenty-one strong team of Hub […]