O&L pours N$40m into abalone farm
Marine resources minister, Bernhardt Esau, says there are lucrative investment opportunities available along the coast other than fishing rights, adding government is keen on easing fish stock pressure by encouraging mariculture and inland aquaculture.
Speaking this past Friday at the inauguration of a N$40 million abalone farm outside Lüderitz, belonging to the Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L) through its subsidiary company Hangana Seafood Ltd, Esau said abalone is to the sea what rhinos are to the land.
Abalone is part of the mollusc family that includes clams, mussels, sea slugs and octopuses.
Esau said abalone farming is ecologically and economically viable in Namibia, as it's a lucrative product whose market demand far exceeds global supply.
“Abalone production here in Lüderitz, and indeed all along the coast of Namibia, is sustainable as it only needs kelp, a type of seaweed, to feed it.
“I understand that abalone is to the sea what rhinos are to land. With prices exceeding N$500 per abalone, poaching of this marine species in the wild is a global problem that all governments are closely cooperating on,” he said.
Esau called on others in Namibia and beyond to invest in the mariculture subsector.
“Come and explore the great opportunities in growing your own fish and other marine species, because the global demand for these products is ever-increasing; it is far beyond global supply. Let us together join hands to develop our fisheries sector.”
O&L CEO Sven Thieme said Namibia is a country blessed with unique resources - from agriculture to mining, fishing and tourism.
“We have these sectors and resources that we can use to our full advantage, especially when it comes to attracting foreign investment.
“However, in achieving the ideals and objectives of Vision 2030, it is up to you and me, through our dedication and commitment to bring this vision to life,” Thieme said.
He further urged everyone to not only put their hope in fishing, mining and tourism, but to also create to aquaculture projects, as well as medical and expertise centres, like in Singapore and other countries.
The farm was bought in 2016 and production currently stands at 35 tonnes, as it takes three years to harvest ready-to-eat abalone.
The farm has also created employment and other opportunities for the //Karas Region.
The farm has 45 employees, but expects to employ 300 people as it expands over the next four years.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Speaking this past Friday at the inauguration of a N$40 million abalone farm outside Lüderitz, belonging to the Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L) through its subsidiary company Hangana Seafood Ltd, Esau said abalone is to the sea what rhinos are to the land.
Abalone is part of the mollusc family that includes clams, mussels, sea slugs and octopuses.
Esau said abalone farming is ecologically and economically viable in Namibia, as it's a lucrative product whose market demand far exceeds global supply.
“Abalone production here in Lüderitz, and indeed all along the coast of Namibia, is sustainable as it only needs kelp, a type of seaweed, to feed it.
“I understand that abalone is to the sea what rhinos are to land. With prices exceeding N$500 per abalone, poaching of this marine species in the wild is a global problem that all governments are closely cooperating on,” he said.
Esau called on others in Namibia and beyond to invest in the mariculture subsector.
“Come and explore the great opportunities in growing your own fish and other marine species, because the global demand for these products is ever-increasing; it is far beyond global supply. Let us together join hands to develop our fisheries sector.”
O&L CEO Sven Thieme said Namibia is a country blessed with unique resources - from agriculture to mining, fishing and tourism.
“We have these sectors and resources that we can use to our full advantage, especially when it comes to attracting foreign investment.
“However, in achieving the ideals and objectives of Vision 2030, it is up to you and me, through our dedication and commitment to bring this vision to life,” Thieme said.
He further urged everyone to not only put their hope in fishing, mining and tourism, but to also create to aquaculture projects, as well as medical and expertise centres, like in Singapore and other countries.
The farm was bought in 2016 and production currently stands at 35 tonnes, as it takes three years to harvest ready-to-eat abalone.
The farm has also created employment and other opportunities for the //Karas Region.
The farm has 45 employees, but expects to employ 300 people as it expands over the next four years.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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