Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds

09/05/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible journeys of migratory birds and the importance of protecting the ecosystems they depend on along the way.

This morning, our partners at NNF are hosting a guided bird walk to raise awareness about migratory species and the vital role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Be sure to follow and support the amazing work and everyone taking part in today’s activities.

Every Bird Counts 🦩
Join us this Saturday as we celebrate with a guided walk at the beautiful Walvis Bay Lagoon.

Together, we’ll explore the importance of migratory birds, wetlands, and the role Namibia’s coast plays in supporting thousands of birds on their incredible journeys across continents. The walk will be guided by conservation expert John Paterson, who brings decades of experience in coastal and seabird conservation.

FUN FACT: Walvis Bay Lagoon is one of the most important wetlands along the East Atlantic Flyway.

Date: Saturday, 09 May 2026
Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Location: Walvis Bay Lagoon (meet just north of Lovers Hill)

Limited spots available scan the QR code on the event flyer or click on registration link here: https://forms.gle/mtfht3zty47gxhWL6 to register.

Refreshments will be served after the walk.

09/05/2026

Today we celebrate 🌍World Migratory Bird Day

Seabirds are the travelers of our oceans, crossing continents and skies with resilience and grace. Yet their journeys remain fragile, threatened by pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat loss.

At NAMCOB, we work every day to protect seabirds, safeguard their breeding colonies, and help ensure safe passage across our oceans. From monitoring vulnerable species to responding to threats along the Namibian coast, every effort contributes to healthier marine ecosystems and a more sustainable future.

By protecting seabirds, we protect our oceans, our biodiversity, and our shared future.

This World Migratory Bird Day, let us celebrate wings without borders and stand together for conservation. 🌊🪶

Photo Credit: Jessica Kemper

07/05/2026

Say hello to this unexpected Visitors in Lüderitz

Sometimes we get day visitors too, and this time, it was 3 skuas that ended up on a fishing vessel off Lüderitz. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform responded swiftly, assessed the birds, and found they were in good condition, and alerted the NAMCOB team for further support.

Skuas are ocean-going seabirds known for traveling long distances, following ships, and sometimes scavenging around vessels. They are strong, adaptable birds, but bright lights and exhaustion can leave them vulnerable when they drift off course.

Most likely tired after a long-distance journey, they became disoriented by the vessel lights. Our team took the birds to the Lüderitz Veterinary Clinic for a full check-up, including blood smears, and were approved for release the very same day.

A big thank-you to everyone involved , NAMCOB first responders, Lüderitz Veterinary Clinic, and , for the quick and dedicated collaboration that gave these birds the best possible outcome.

06/05/2026

We’ve been sharing moments from the festival, but here’s a quick look back at what went down from Day 3–5.

Day 3
We proudly showcased NAMCOB and the NIMPA+ Project alongside our Honourable Ministers from Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. What a great moment to highlight the importance of marine conservation at national level.

Day 4
More awareness, more engagement! 🐧
At the Namibia Maritime Museum, we welcomed the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Minister of Finance, together with CEOs from BIPA, Lüderitz Waterfront, and the Roads Authority. The focus was strengthening advocacy and public awareness around marine conservation.

Day 5
Meanwhile at our stall, we had a special visit from Pete, a former MAFWLR Headman who worked on the islands in the 90s.
He shared valuable insights from his time on the islands and connected with our current rangers.

Thank you to everyone who continues to engage with us and support our work. Let’s keep the momentum going.

01/05/2026

This International Workers’ Day, we celebrate the dedicated team behind the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds.

From early mornings to the critical care of seabirds behind the scenes, your work reflects an unwavering commitment to protecting some of Namibia’s most vulnerable marine species.

Today we recognise each of you, your passion, your persistence, and the impact you make every single day.

Thank you for being the force behind seabird conservation.

01/05/2026

NAMCOB is aware of the recent incident involving the fishing vessel Seaflower, which ran aground near Penguin Island in Lüderitz after breaking from its mooring. As a team, we are liaising closely with Desmond Tom, the Senior Biologist: Seabird Section, from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. We are monitoring the situation and remain prepared to provide any support should an environmental event occur.

Penguin Island supports several sensitive seabird species, including the Critically Endangered African Penguin, Endangered Bank and Cape Cormorants. In addition, Crowned and White Breasted Cormorants, African Black Oystercatcher, Hartlaub’s Gull, Kelp Gull, Ruddy Turnstone and Shell Duck frequent the island as a key breeding site.

We are concerned about the potential risk of pollution, as even a small amount of oil can have serious impacts on seabirds. Oil can damage feathers, leading to loss of waterproofing and insulation, affect birds’ ability to swim and fly, and cause internal damage when ingested. It can also contaminate important feeding and breeding areas.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with relevant authorities.

If you encounter any affected wildlife, please do not attempt to handle the animal. Report it immediately to the appropriate response teams. A big thank you to all our who have reached out over the past week.

NAMCOB Hotline: +264 81 556 3567

28/04/2026

We’ve moved offices 😉

Don’t worry, it’s only for the week. Catch us (Exhibition Hall) to learn more about our work.

22/04/2026

Today, we celebrate our planet and reflect on our responsibility to protect it.

Along Namibia’s coastline, our seabirds face growing threats from climate change, pollution, and declining fish stocks. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts, NAMCOB is working to give these species a fighting chance.

This Earth Day, we call on everyone to play their part by reducing pollution, supporting sustainable practices, and conserving the ecosystems that sustain us all.

21/04/2026

As our online community continues to grow, we’d like to share a resource that sits at the heart of what we do at NAMCOB.

This article, “Sustainable Fisheries Management 2025”, explores how the health of Namibia’s marine ecosystem is deeply linked to fish stocks, livelihoods, and biodiversity. When key species like pilchards decline, the ripple effects are felt across the entire food web from fisheries to seabirds like the African Penguin and Cape Gannet.

It’s a powerful reminder that protecting our oceans isn’t just about conservation, it’s about securing food systems, jobs, and the future of our coastal communities.

Take a moment to read:
https://conservationnamibia.com/articles/sustainable-fisheries-management-2025.php

Let’s stay informed, stay engaged, and continue working together to conserve our seabirds.

20/04/2026

Call for Expression of Interest: Vessel Crew

NAMCOB is looking for experienced small-vessel captains and crew members to support our seabird conservation work within the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA).
This is a unique opportunity to be part of offshore operations to key seabird islands, contributing directly to conservation, research, and emergency response efforts.

Based in Lüderitz
Deadline: 7 May 2026 at 17:00
Submit your EOI to: [email protected]
Full details available on our website.

13/04/2026

Spotlight Species: The Cape Gannet

Ever seen a true coastal icon in action? Meet the Cape gannet ✨

With their striking black-and-white plumage and piercing blue eyes, these seabirds are masters of the ocean skies. They’re best known for their breathtaking plunge-dives, hitting the water at high speed as they hunt for fish beneath the surface.

But beyond the drama of the dive lies a story of resilience, teamwork, and home. The Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA) was once a stronghold for Cape gannets in southern Africa. Today, however, the species is critically endangered, highlighting the growing pressures facing seabirds along our coast.

Just off Namibia’s shoreline, Ichaboe Island remains one of their most important breeding grounds. Here, thousands of Cape gannets gather in tightly packed colonies, filling the air with constant calls, beating wings, and the energy of new life.

Each pair raises just a single egg at a time, taking turns to guard the nest and head out to sea in search of food. Life here isn’t easy, with strong winds and ever-changing ocean conditions, but year after year, they return to the same place.

For the Cape gannet, home is everything. Their breeding season typically concludes around March to April, marking the end of another cycle of life and survival on the Namibian coast.