Line-Fish Research & Monitoring
Since the early 1990s, the OAC has played a leading role in marine conservation research:
- Assisted in tag-and-release programs initiated in 1994
- Supported monitoring of commercial fishing impacts (1997–1999)
- Contributed to research that informed current fishing regulations (size and bag limits)
- Independently conducted surveys on behalf of MFMR since 2004
To date, over 70,000 fish have been tagged and released, making this one of the most significant contributions by any angling club globally.
Importantly, OAC maintains a strict conservation ethic—no marine products are removed from the area during visits.
Brown Hyena Monitoring
OAC has supported the Brown Hyena Foundation by:
- Providing logistics and accommodation
- Assisting with capture and collaring of hyenas
- Supporting ongoing tracking and monitoring efforts
This work contributes to the understanding and protection of one of Namibia’s most unique predators.
Fossil Discovery – OACictes
In 2009, OAC members discovered a fossil and trackway in petrified dunes east of the camp.
This led to international collaboration with renowned palaeontologists, resulting in:
Recovery of the fossil in 2010
Dating to approximately 2.5 million years old
Naming of a new species: OACictes
The fossil is currently housed at the Ministry of Mines & Energy museum.
Humanitarian Contribution
In 2003, OAC members rescued nine shipwrecked castaways found drifting at sea with minimal supplies.
The club provided:
- Food, water, clothing, and shelter
- Care and recovery support
The individuals were later transported safely to Walvis Bay by authorities. Without this intervention, survival would have been unlikely.
UNAM Partnership
In 2019, OAC partnered with the UNAM Foundation to sponsor postgraduate research:
- Funded a full MSc bursary for Arariky Shikongo, completed in 2023
- Research improved tag-and-release methods, reducing fish mortality
- Ongoing support planned for:
- Arariky’s PhD studies
- Additional MSc research into marine and environmental topics
Support to Fisheries Science
OAC facilitated collaboration between NAMDEB and UNAM, resulting in:
- Funding (~N$160,000) for an otolith polishing machine
- Improved capacity for fish age determination and stock assessment
Ongoing Impact & Vision
The OAC tag-and-release program remains a cornerstone of marine conservation along Namibia’s coast. It provides critical data to:
- Monitor fish populations
- Assess fishing impacts
- Inform sustainable regulation
OAC continues to support the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and aims to:
- Expand tag-and-release programs to other coastal angling clubs
- Encourage public participation in conservation efforts
- Strengthen Namibia’s marine resource management framework
Tag-and-release initiatives are globally recognized as essential tools for sustainable fisheries management—and OAC is proud to be at the forefront of this effort in Namibia.