Moçâmedes - The catch of fish, in the first semester of this year, in the province of Namibe, amounted to 72,167 tons of miscellaneous fish, representing an increase of 25,782 tons (56%), compared to the same period of last year.
According to the director of the Provincial Fisheries Office, Piedade Gaonhe, in 2023, 46,385 tons were caught.
Speaking to ANGOP, the official justified that the increase in fish was due to the reinforcement of inspection and the definition of unloading points for better control.
Among the most caught species, horse mackerel stood out, with 37,461 tons, followed by sardines (13,512) and mackerel (4,512).
He added that artisanal fishing produced 53,777 tons, representing 74%, semi-industrial 7,861 (11%), while industrial fishing caught 10,529, occupying 15% of production.
He said that 75% of the fish was destined for direct consumption and 25% for freezing, and noted that companies in the fishing sector in Namibe obtained, in the period under review, an estimated financial return of 57 billion 733 million and 600 thousand kwanzas.
During the period under review, the source continued, 1,046 tons of various fish were exported, including 1,25 tons of crab and 21 tons of octopus, destined for the republics of China, Japan, Portugal and the United States of America.
According to Piedade Gaonhe, the export allowed the collection of 202,457 euros and four million 87,368 dollars, in an initiative of the companies Sicopal, Edipesca and Atamild, respectively.
On the other hand, the official stressed that the inspection delivered 34 notices of administrative transgression of illegal fishing, seven of which were industrial vessels, three semi-industrial and 24 artisanal.
He also said that 123 submersible lamps for attracting shoals, 16 generators, 28 spotlights and 21 gill gear were seized. VR/FA/QCB/DOJ
