TRACHURUS Fishing on Friday announced its new "strategic business direction" as well as its new corporate identity, which will be visible on its vessels.

Trachurus is a joint venture between various fishing companies owned by previously disadvantaged quota holders, as well as the more established Namsov Fishing.

According to Jerome Mouton, chief executive officer of Namsov, who spoke on behalf of the chairman of Trachurus' Board of Directors, Sebby Kankondi, the company recently invested N$106 million in two fishing vessels, which were shown at the launch.

Trachurus Fishing also announced its 'catch and research programme' with partners in Angola and South Africa. These two countries, along with Namibia, are the members of the Benguela Current Commission (BCC).

"We've been working on a ecosystem-based programme to conduct research on horse mackerel and to contribute to the tripartite agreement signed in 2006 between the three nations under the BCC," Kankondi was quoted as saying.

"Through this effort, we aim to further understand and assist in regional efforts to better manage horse-mackerel resources.

"It is encouraging to see that the industry is moving into the direction of value addition. It is equally important that there is a strong determination to work together between small and medium-sized companies on the one hand, and larger established companies on the other hand, to join together in partnership that have the distinct advantage of sharing each other's strong points," he said.