Contact Fisheries
Attention: Charlie Matengu
Dear Mr. Mtengu
As the spokesperson for Namibia's Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources I am hoping that you will be able to answer some of the following urgent and pressing questions regarding Cape Fur seals and your governments continued desire to slaughter this species.
I was hoping to find this information on the Ministry's website at http://www.mfmr.gov.na/ but it appears that this website is experiencing some problems as it fails to load. Perhaps a case of not paying the host for their services?
I begin with the Ombudsman's report that was released in 2012. In this report, Adv. John Walters made several recommendations to government regarding the annual "harvest." I would like to know which of these recommendations, if any, have been implemented.
The government claims that the annual "harvest" is humane and beating the animals to death with pick handles is the most effective method of slaughter. If this is the case, I would like to know why no independent observers are allowed to monitor the hunt, as is the case in Canada.
I now refer to your media release that was dated 18 December 2013. Titled "Observed Cape Fur Seal Mortalities Along The Namibian Coast." In this press release you acknowledge "numerous reports from concerned members of the public regarding dead seals washing up on the shore." Just three months later, on 20th March 2014 the Hon. Minister Bernard Esau is quoted in "The Namibian" as considering if he should declare war on the seals. My questions are as follows: What does the Minister think beating 80 000 nursing pups to death is? A minor disagreement? Why is the Minister even considering such reckless and unwise actions when you yourself have clearly admitted to a massive amount of animals dying off from starvation?
This brings me to my next point. Time and time again the Ministry is quoted as saying the seals need to be slaughtered in order to protect fish stocks. In your media release (dated 18 December 2013) you state there are 26 seal colonies scattered along the Namibian coast. Let us consider the following. The largest of these seal colonies by far is at Cape Cross. The ENTIRE colony at Cape Cross stretches out over a distance of roughly 2km's. If you lined up all 26 colonies and you placed them side by side, this "super colony" would stretch out over a distance of roughly 20km's. Namibia has a coastline 1 500 km in length and an EEZ of 200 nautical miles. How gullible and stupid do you think the general public is if you expect them to believe 20km worth of seals is responsible for devouring 1 500 km x 200nm miles worth of fish stocks? Stop spewing such nonsense. The propaganda no longer holds water and people see through this lie for what it is.
Further to the above, why continue to blame seals for a drop in fishing stocks when your own Minister, the Hon. B Esau regularly ignores the advice of his own government scientists when it comes to allocating fishing quotas? Surely the Minister is the one who should be accepting part of the blame for his unwise decisions? Why are there no calls to cull the Minister?
When South Africa ended their seal hunt in 1990, the colony's population at Kleinsee did not explode as was expected. Instead, the growth of the colony stabilised from 161% growth to a mere 5% growth. Fishing stocks were not adversely affected. This is fact. Namibia was advised by the sealing commission to end their annul hunt at the same time. They refused to do so. Why?
Back to your media release (dated 18 December 2013) In your statement you mention that Namibia has 1.2 million seals the highest number in recorded history. Where did you get this nonsense from? What happened to the millions of seals that were recorded on Possession Island? Was Possession Island not such a hub of activity when it came to slaughtering these animals that special rail road tracks were laid down to cart the carcasses from the one side of the island to the other? Please note, I am not referring to North Reef but the island itself.
Tell me please Mr. Mtengu how many seals are to be found on Seal Island? None? That's strange. Why is it called Seal Island then? How about telling me how many seals are on Halifax Island? Flamingo Island? Little Roast Beef? Plum Pudding? Pomona? Mercury Island? What happened to the millions of seals that lived and bred on these islands for centuries? Why are there none left?
I am sure The Seals Of Nam will have many more questions for you but for now I will allow you some time to gather your thoughts and clear your inbox. It must be rather full.
I look forward to your response.
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