Measures are being taken to counter the effects of decades of over-fishing by both domestic and foreign fleets. Namibia also possesses scattered deposits of valuable minerals and its economy is dominated by the mining sector. Of particular importance are the rich deposits of alluvial diamonds which are exploited by surface mining, notably in the area between Oranjemund and Luderitz. Plant and animal life Both the Namib and Kalahari deserts are characterized by exotic, fragile desert plants. The mountains are sparsely wooded, and the plateau is predominantly scrub bush and grass.
Trees are much more frequent in the north.
Varieties of aloe are common throughout the plateau and the less sandy portions of the Kalahari. Namibia is richly endowed with game, albeit poaching has seriously diminished it in parts of the north. The Etosha Pan in the north is a major game area and tourist attraction.