Quota uncertainty unsettles fishing industry

Service providers remain confident Kevin Mayhew THE END of the fishing season this year will herald a period of uncertainty for companies that service the seasonal demand of the fishing sector for fish processing and reefer breakbulk operations. However, says the general manager of SAFE Namibia Katja Gloditzsch, the company remains optimistic “This industry is vital to the economy but has not been spared its highs and lows throughout its history. We have weathered them in the past and are confident that it will be the case again in future,” she says. The uncertainty revolves around the quotas that are to be granted for next year’s season. The US dollar exchange rate also impacts on the industry. A part of the Manica Group Namibia, SAFE Namibia looks after the requirements of breakbulk reefer consignments, reefer vessels and fishing trawlers.