The fisheries sector and aquaculture are the source for survival for millions of people in Africa but the fishing sector is under threat yet the country need to expand its market possibilities. The African fishing sector like other primary sectors is threatened by climate change as the earth’s climate is changing speedily than ever.
The scientists have reported that the temperature of the earth will basically increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050 and this will affect directly the natural environment and the ecosystem. The rise in temperature can be a disaster as it will bring up many effects that will put the population into dilemma. The level of sea and storms will be rising unexpectedly which will in turn have an impact on rainfall, river flows and Lake water levels. It will further lead to the acidification of water sources, calcification and coral bleaching.
Moreover, the climate change will impact on the compositions, the productions and yields of fish species. Furthermore, this can lead to rapid expansion of diseases.
However, the African state is said to be the most susceptible to the climate change effects and it is predicted that this will be the hardest hit for African fisheries. It has been said that African fisheries sector can likely supply about 6 percent of the world’s annual economic growth but yet Africa is a bit weak to take up challenges due to lack of information, modern technology, skills and economic resources. However, efforts are being made at the continental level with African Union that is intended at evaluating technical expertise and resources.
The annual fish production in Africa accounts for two percent of the global production (which is 2.77 million tons) and a total traded value of 1.7 percent.
Thus, Namibia is considered to be the main exporter of fish products especially fish fillets in the SADC regions in terms of volumes which accounts for 48 percent. The Namibian fishing authorities have reported that Namibia is considered to be the largest fishing nation in the region of Africa and about 90 percent of the fish that are landed, are exported internationally.
Namibian fishing industries also contribute to the employment sector which is a good initiative for Namibian people. Most of the employed work at sea or in the processing plants. An example of a fish fillet processor in Namibia is Seawork Fish Processors Ltd. Every single fish processed at the plant is being hand filleted and the company employs around 1500 people to work at their plant.
As a whole, the population needs to take severe precautions so as the fight against the climate change and also to save their job.
Ref: http://allafrica.com/stories/201009030740.html
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