Fishermen fear future in Lüderitz as green hydrogen push intensifies

As the oil and gas industry gears up for extensive drilling operations at Lüderitz, concerns are mounting about the potential impact on the local fish stock and marine ecosystems.

Amid economic pressures and the promise of job creation, the balance between resource extraction and environmental conservation hangs in the balance.

Lüderitz, known for its marine biodiversity, has historically relied on fishing as a cornerstone of its economy.

However, the arrival of multiple drill ships and rigs in 2024 raises alarms regarding habitat disruption and the long-term viability of local fish populations.

Seaflower, a subsidiary of Fishcor, and a local fishing company, has yet to conduct comprehensive scientific studies that correlate the onset of oil and gas exploration with changes in fish populations, chief executive Alex Gawanab says.

“We, therefore, do not wish to speculate,” he says, emphasising the need for more data before drawing conclusions.

Concerns also linger regarding pollution from drilling activities.

While local vessels have not reported any significant oil spills, the industry is under scrutiny as the scale of drilling increases.

According to Gawanab, Seaflower’s vessels, “have not observed any oil pollution emanating from exploration”.

Nonetheless, environmental advocates argue that proactive measures must be taken to safeguard marine life before irreversible damage occurs.

Frack-Free Namibia’s Innocent Haingura says concerns around pollution and habitat disruption will always be there.

“The essence lies in how appropriate and deliberate the environmental management plans for such activities or developments are if approved in the context of the Environmental Management Act”.

Haingura says it is difficult to see collaboration entry points other than through measures to mitigate or minimise potential adverse impacts.

There are also realities that such industries may not co-exist in many respects.

Local fishermen have expressed concern over the future of their livelihoods.

A long-time fisherman in Lüderitz says the region has provided for generations of fishermen.

“If the fish move away due to all this drilling, what will happen to us? Our families depend on these waters. We need assurances and studies that show we won’t lose our fish stocks.”

Local fisherman Joey Kotze says: “The oil and gas industry is affecting our marine species due to the drilling activities that will take place soon.”

“The fish stock is still fresh because they started drilling from November 2024, and due to lots of movement underwater our fish species may simply move their habitat to another quiet place,” he says.

“Due to money involved in this oil and gas project, there are still more drill ships and rigs arriving next year”.

On the other hand, supporters of the oil and gas project say these operations are essential for economic growth.

“As the second biggest employer in Lüderitz, the pressure is always huge on Fishcor,” says Gawanab, adding that other industries developing will relieve the pressure on the fishing industry.

The competing interests of economic development and environmental conservation present a complex challenge for Lüderitz.

While the potential for job creation and investment in the region is attractive, the long-term consequences of oil and gas drilling on marine species and the fishing industry could be dire.

As Lüderitz stands on the brink of a significant industrial transformation, the stakes could not be higher.

With oil and gas drilling, it is imperative that all parties involved engage in transparent dialogue and collaborate to address the potential impacts on marine life.

The health of the oceans and the future of the fishing industry depend on a commitment to sustainable practices that prioritise both economic growth and environmental integrity.

The community of Lüderitz will need to navigate this landscape carefully, ensuring that the pursuit of oil does not come at the expense of its marine resources.