First Responder Training Strengthens Seabird Emergency Response on Namibia’s Central Coast
Rob Barnes | November 13th, 2025 | News
In September and October 2025, the Namibian Marine Conservation and Research Organisation (NAMCOB) delivered two First Responder Trainings along Namibia’s central coast, in Swakopmund and Henties Bay. The trainings strengthened local capacity to respond to seabird emergencies, with a strong focus on African Penguins and coordinated response to disease and pollution events.
The sessions built on the First Responder Workshop held on the southern coast in 2024 and were delivered with technical support from SANCCOB.
Swakopmund First Responder Workshop
The Swakopmund workshop took place on 4 and 5 September 2025 at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. Delivered over two days, the training combined theory, practical guidance, and scenario-based learning for first responders involved in seabird rescue.
Topics covered on day one included African Penguin population status, the purpose and progress of NAMCOB, first responder roles and etiquette, personal protective equipment and hygiene, rescue and stabilisation techniques, transportation protocols, admissions and recordkeeping, housing and temperature requirements, feeding and hydration regimes, medication, waterproofing, and release considerations.
On day two, participants engaged with recorded and live online sessions led by Dr David Roberts of SANCCOB, covering triage, pain management, wound care, euthanasia decision-making, and avian influenza, including current high pathogenic avian influenza updates and response protocols. The workshop concluded with an online session on oiled wildlife response by Monica Stassen of SANCCOB, followed by an interactive quiz to test participants’ newly acquired skills.
The workshop was facilitated by Ukarapo Mungunda and Karin Moses, with remote contributions from SANCCOB specialists.
Henties Bay First Responder Training
The Henties Bay training took place in October 2025 and was linked to the Climate Resilient East Atlantic Flyway initiative. The session brought together staff and students from the University of Namibia, representatives from the Henties Bay Municipality, and members of the local community.
Presentations and discussions focused on avian influenza risks, oiled wildlife response, and the rapid decline of the African Penguin, reinforcing the need for locally based, well-coordinated first responder networks along the coast. The strong participation from youth and academic institutions highlighted the growing interest in seabird conservation and emergency preparedness.
Building a connected response network
NAMCOB extends its thanks to the facilitators Ukarapo Mungunda, Karin Moses, Monica Stassen, and Dr David Roberts, as well as all participants and partner institutions, for their active engagement and commitment.
Together, these trainings mark an important step towards a stronger, more connected seabird emergency response network, supporting the long-term protection of Namibia’s seabirds and marine biodiversity.
View photos from the events here
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