research & publications

Introducing a unique course on “B.Sc. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences for the SADC Region”

INTRODUCTION
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic falls under the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Faculty is based at the Neudamm campus, 40 km east of Windhoek in Central Namibia. The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Department is however located on the main campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM) in Windhoek.

Students on a field excursion at the coast

BACKGROUND
The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences programme was formerly within the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences programme became a full fledge Department at the beginning of 2009, when the former Department of Natural Resources and Conservation was split into two new Departments.

The Department offers a four-year degree programme leading to B.Sc. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. For over 10 years, the Department has been generously supported by Norwegian Government, through provisions of teaching and research facilities, facilitation of visiting Lecturers and research / field trips for both staff and students. Presently, the Department through the funds provided by the Norwegian Government has collaboration with University of Tromsø, Rhodes University and the Bunda College of Agriculture, University of Malawi.

The B.Sc. programme is unique in the region as it offers students a multidisciplinary approach to studying the broad area of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences through modules covering the natural, technical and social sciences.

The Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has provided logistical support to the Department so that teaching and some of the practical and lectures can take place at National Marine Information and Research Centre (NATMIRC) in Swakopmund. The Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (sanumarc) in Henties bay offers a very ideal place for students to conduct their practical and research.

Although the Department is relatively young, it has grown steadily since its inception in 1996.  Starting with 16 students in 1997, the Department hosted a total of 98 students during 2008 Academic year, with 16 of these from other SADC countries.  The first graduates of the programme completed in December 2000. These and many others after them have since taken up employment in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Private Industry and Non-Governmental Organizations, whereas a number of them have taken up further studies at institutions in South Africa and elsewhere.

We are also proud to have trained students from other SADC countries such as Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mauritius in our programme, who have all since returned to their respective countries where they have taken up significant positions in their respective institutions.

Oceanography students on board a research vessel and looking at a CTD

MODULES OFFERED
The programme offers a range of courses which include courses such as Fish processing and Quality Control, Fisheries management, Physical oceanography, Chemical and Biological oceanography, Aquaculture, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries Economics, Population dynamics, Biosystematics and many others. Most modules have practical component that is further strengthened by attaching the students to various industries and institutions in order for them to acquire hands on experience.
To strengthen their research skills, the students conduct research projects in their final year which covers a wide range of topics such as: Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Aquaculture, Marine and Coastal Environmental Research as well as socio-economic issues.

To strengthen their scientific background and mastery of subject matter, the students take relevant courses from the Faculty of Science as well as courses offered by the other departments in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources where the programme is based.

SECOND PHASE OF SUPPORT FROM THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT

In March 2005, the University of Namibia signed a new agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign affairs (NMFA), in which NMFA has agreed to support the programme for a further six years (2005 to 2010). During this phase, the programme will broaden its scope to accommodate the whole SADC region and hence it will be rechristened  “B.Sc. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences for the SADC Region”.

The principle long-term development goal of the programme is to provide the human resource base required to manage and develop the fishery and aquatic resources of the SADC region in a sustainable manner in order to provide food, employment, income and recreational resources for the people of SADC.

Prof Kiangi (former PVC – AAR) of UNAM and Mr Sten Anders Berge (Representative of the Norwegian Government) at the signing ceremony of the Second Phase of the Norwegian Support. Looking on are Prof Msangi (Former Dean of the Faculty) and Mr Kandjengo (Former Head of the Department)

BURSARIES
Twenty five (25) students are currently being supported by bursaries provided by the second phase of the Norwegian Government support.
Nine (9) of these students are Namibians, while the remaining sixteen (16) are from other SADC countries.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Application forms for admission can downloaded from the UNAM web page (http://www.unam.na/applying_unam/application_forms.html) or from the Faculty Officer (see address below) and completed application forms should be returned to the Faculty Officer also at the address below.

Subject to Faculty Special Regulations, candidates wishing to join the Department must have obtained a grade “C” or better in NSSC, or a recognized equivalent, in Biology and Mathematics, and not less than a grade “D” in Physical Science, or Chemistry. Candidates who meet the afore-mentioned criteria, but who might have obtained a “D” grade in Mathematics at NSSC or its equivalent, maybe admitted provided that they have scored a minimum of 27 points from five (5) subjects, including English, Biology, Mathematics and Physical Science or Chemistry, on the UNAM Evaluation Point Scale