Ramiros - The secretary of State for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Álvaro dos Santos, highlighted on Monday the preservation of the aquatic ecosystem for the sustainable development of communities and the guarantee of positive results for future generations.
The official was speaking at the Ministry's Integrated Management Council for Aquatic Biological Resources, stating that this was a major commitment of the department.
He noted that biological and aquatic resources also represent a strategic opportunity to promote food security, boost the blue economy and strengthen positions on the world stage.
Recognizing the difficulties that shipowners face, due to the lack of fish in some coastal regions, Álvaro dos Santos highlighted that “Commitment and efficiency are fundamental tools to improve the use and production along the Angolan coast and by working in a coordinated way we can transform and guarantee a sustainable, more productive future for everyone”.
The director of the Ministry's Planning and Statistics Study Office, Joana Gomes, reiterated data from the sector which had, from January to October of the current year, a production of 547k tons of fish, exported 11k tons, until the first half of 2024, corresponding to a global volume valued at Akz 25 billion (US$ 27.327.250) in revenue.
A total of 425 infractions were registered, Akz 7 billion (US$ 7.651.630) were charged, of which 18% of the amount was paid.
The lack of registration of vessels and fishing in inappropriate places top the list of infractions.
In 2023, the fishing sector had a production of 601 tons.
The event takes place under the motto “Healthy ecosystems, safe future” and for two days it addresses, among others, topics such as “Sustainability in salt production: Challenges and strategies”, “Identification and mapping of micro conservation areas” and “Biological status of the main fishery resources”.
Issues linked to the importance of the National Biological Sampling Program for Commercial Fisheries will be discussed for the assessment of fishing resources, proposals for management measures for marine fisheries, continental fisheries, aquaculture and salt for the year 2025 as well.
AP/AKA/VC/CF/jmc
