Niël Terblanché
In an innovative approach to public engagement and awareness, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, turned the National Assembly into a vibrant marketplace and exhibition centre for Namibia’s bountiful seafood.
On the evening of 2 April 2024, Parliament became the stage for a unique showcase aimed at promoting the nation’s fisheries sector.
During the budget presentation for Vote 22 (Fisheries Vote), Klazen extended an invitation to fishing companies and the general public to participate in an event that was as much about parliamentary debate as it was about celebrating Namibia’s aquatic resources.
Annely Haiphene, the Executive Director of the fisheries ministry, said the exhibition was aimed at focusing the public’s attention on the fisheries sector and offering fish at affordable prices to the public.
An exhibition booth set up at Parliament provided a wealth of information through flyers and brochures on topics ranging from aquaculture to fishing rights and quotas. Publications such as the Fishery and Fish Products of Namibia, and Careers in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) were made available to deepen public knowledge about the sector.
The Ministry’s engagement efforts extend beyond the parliamentary showcase, with participation in trade fairs and exhibition shows across the country.
Another highlight is the establishment of a Fisheries Hall at one of Namibia’s largest trade fairs, dedicated exclusively to fish and seafood products, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to making seafood more accessible and affordable.
Central to the ministry’s mandate is the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT), founded in March 2001 to improve the accessibility and affordability of fish for all Namibians.
With 18 fish shops across all 14 regions of Namibia, the NFCPT is a crucial element in the Ministry’s strategy to promote fish consumption nationwide.
The seafood exhibition at Parliament not only showcased various types of fish but also offered tastings to Parliamentarians and staff, aiming to cultivate a culture of fish consumption known for its nutritional benefits, including protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Haiphene said that the initiative represents a broader effort by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to bring fish “closer to the people,” aligning with its ongoing commitment to market and promote Namibia’s fish and fish products.
She said that by leveraging public events and parliamentary platforms, the Ministry aims to foster a deeper connection between Namibians and their maritime heritage, ensuring the sustainable benefit of this natural resource for current and future generations.
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