Catch rates for hake fishermen in Namibia’s Walvis Bay have significantly improved this year since the season opened Nov. 1.
Unfortunately, the improved rates are “the only cause for optimism at this stage,” reports the Informante.
Although catch rates are “better,” fleets are only out for a few days, Herman Theron, managing director of the Hangana Seafood Processors, told the newspaper.
Namibian hake prices on markets in southern Europe remain under pressure due to the Eurozone crisis, and elevated fuel and electricity costs -- up 34 percent in some instances -- are putting pressure on margins.
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