A person may not fish in inland waters without a fishing licence issued by the Minister of Fisheries or by any officer appointed by him.

A fishing licence is required when fishing using a net, rod and reel or chartered boat.

To get a fishing licence, one must apply to the minister or through an appointed officer (e.g. Regional Council).

A person holding a fishing licence should have the licence with them when fishing and produce the licence when required to do so by the inspector.

A fishing licence issued only on payment of the stated fee and is valid for a given period of time.

A fishing licence may not be transferred to another person for use.

Licence fees payable

Conditions for use of a Fishing Licence

A fishing licence will specify one or more of the following:

• Bag limits (the amount/number of fish you can catch).

• Fishing Gear (tools you can use)

• Fishing Areas (areas in which fishing is allowed)

• Closed seasons (period when fishing is permitted/not permitted).

• Furnishing of catch reports and any other matter which the minister considers appropriate.

• Fishing methods that are permitted by law

The following fishing methods are allowed:

• With a licence

• Rod and reel (Angling)

• Gill netting

Without a licence

• Traditional fishing gear

• Hook and line

Specifications for netting according to law.

Only gill nets are to be used in Namibian inland waters and such nets shall not be:

• More than four (4) in number

• More than 100 metres in length

• More than 3 metres in height

A gill net shall not be set within 100 metres of another net and the mesh size thereof shall not be less than:

• 76 mm (3 inch) in the Zambezi river systems.

• 76 mm (3 inch) in the Kunene river.

• 45 mm (1.5 inch) in the Kavango River.

• 25 mm (1 inch) in the Oshanas.

Fishing methods that are not permitted by law

• Use of a net for which there is no valid licence

• Use of unmarked net

• Use of any chemicals, poison, poisonous plant or any substance which causes injury or harm to fish).

• Any explosive, fire arm or electrical device.

• Any light at night to attract fish.>

• Dragging of net is not allowed, except in the flood plains in consultation with the relevant traditional authority.

• Bashing is not allowed as a method of fishing.

• A cluster of fish hooks designed to hook the body of a fish.

Refusal/cancellation of a Fishing Licence

• The Minister or appointed officer may cancel or refuse to renew a fishing licence in the following circumstances:
• If the licence holder has failed to comply with a condition applicable to the licence.
• If the licence holder is convicted of an offence in terms of the Inland Fisheries Resource Act (Act No 1 of 2003).
• If the sustainable utilization of any type of fish or inland fisheries resources in general is threatened.
• Inland Fisheries Inspectors
• Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources may appoint a staff member or an officer holding any post in that Ministry, Regional Council, or Local Authority Council or any person nominated by the traditional authority as fisheries inspector.

Duties of Fisheries Inspectors

• Stop and board any vessel which is suspected of being and performing any act necessary to verify whether the law has been or is being complied with.

• Seize any vessel or fishing gear which the inspector has reason to believe has been used for fishing against the law or a condition of a fishing licence.

• Seize any fish that the inspector has reason to believe has been caught or is being possessed (in contravention) of the law or the fishing licence.

• Seize any equipment, article or substance that the inspector has reason to believe has been used for fishing in contravention of a fishing licence.