Niël Terblanché
The University of Namibia (UNAM), through its Dr Sam Nujoma Campus Mariculture Facility, has officially applied for an aquaculture license to farm a variety of marine and freshwater species.
This application, as per section 12 (4) of the Aquaculture Act No. 18 of 2002, was made public for the information of all interested and affected parties.
The campus plans to cultivate an array of species including Dusky Kob, Silver Kob, European oyster, Abalone, various types of seaweed, Tilapia, and Catfish.
In its application, UNAM stated that the aquaculture activities will occupy approximately 94.6 hectare of land situated in the Arandis Constituency of the Erongo Region.
UNAM’s initiative aims to bolster sustainable aquaculture practices, contribute to food security, and provide research and educational opportunities for students and researchers.
The Dr Sam Nujoma Campus Mariculture Facility in Henties Bay is a key player in this endeavour, leveraging its strategic location and resources to advance aquaculture technology and production.
In this regard, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has called on the public, especially those directly affected or interested, to submit any objections or representations regarding this application within 30 days of the notice that was published in a daily newspaper on Monday.
The ministry stated that submissions should be addressed to the Executive Director at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek.
This development is viewed as a step in the right direction for Namibia’s ongoing efforts to expand its aquaculture sector, promising potential economic benefits and the advancement of marine and freshwater farming technology.
