Scientists complete study on Namibian deep waters

05 March 2010, New Era
URL: http://www.newera.com.na/article.php?articleid=9805&sid=64de2931a684663f87e82586e46ab5af

Walvis Bay:  Namibian and Spanish scientists and researchers recently jointly conducted a scientific research in Namibia’s territorial waters to evaluate the situation of its fishing grounds.

The evaluations and studies were performed by ‘Vizconde de Eza’, a Spanish Oceanographic vessel that has conducted similar scientific campaigns for six years now.  This week, the vessel came on land to present its findings after 21 days (from February 6 to 28) of research.

The vessel was received by Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr Abraham Iyambo; Ambassador of Spain to Namibia, Alfonso Beneuve; European Union Ambassador, Dr Elisabeth Pape; Germany Ambassador to Namibia, Egon Kochanke: Finland Ambassador to Namibia, Heikki Tuunanen; Gabon Ambassador to Namibia, Mendoume Immanuel, as well as Walvis Bay Mayor, Uilika Nambahu.

Spanish Head of Research, Roberto Sarralde, told New Era that they aimed to find areas that are vulnerable to fishery species in Namibian waters, adding that they made some interesting findings at the bottom of the ocean.   “We went to the deep of the ocean, almost 1 900 metres deep. There is a lot of species which are of commercial value, although not all,” he said.

At the reception of vessel Vizconde de Eza, Iyambo said Namibians were humbled by this expedition saying it came at a time when the country marks 20 years of independence as well as the 16th celebration of Walvis Bay’s integration.  “This is a celebration of Namibians and humanity to do such a research,” he said.

He added that negotiations started 10 years ago on how to further strengthen fisheries scientific research between the two countries. It was then agreed to have the vessel come to Namibia and a team was put up comprising of 11 Spanish and four Namibians. Iyambo admitted that Namibia has little knowledge on sea depth water and could only research about 600 m deep.

“I wanted us to do more work than 600 m, now they went further to 1 900 m. It is really deep. I am happy to know there is more species down there. The sea is rich but little is known about our sea,” he said. He stated that world scientists should be given financial resources and equipment to find answers to sea life and its secrets.

It is estimated that Namibia’s Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) is possibly inhabited by more than 500 species including finfish, shellfish, mammals and others. About 20 Namibian species seem to be well researched and documented. The knowledge and experience gained by the scientists, Iyambo said, will be put to good use nationally in the context of the new ecosystem approach in fisheries.

Meanwhile, Iyambo proposed that scientists from both countries start investigating the possibility of using this vessel during 2011 to map and survey the four Orange Roughy management areas within the Namibian EEZ.

“According to my scientists, this research vessel is ideally suited for this kind of research,” he noted.

Spanish Ambassador to Namibia, Alfonso Beneuve, said the research is of great value to the Namibian authorities and to fishing companies.  “I think the Spanish fishing businessmen are doing outstanding work, contributing great efforts to the economic growth and development of Namibia. It is important to keep investing in factories “onshore” in order to continue creating employment in the fishing sector,” he said.