Strong growth potential for South Africa
SOME 32 aquaculture projects have been initiated in South Africa over the last two years, with 10 projects, valued at R338 million (about £20 million), in the production phase.
Since the launch of the Operation Phakisa oceans economy drive in July 2014, the government has invested around R1 billion in areas including aquaculture and offshore oil and gas exploration. This has created 4,903 jobs to date, according to Department of Environmental Affairs ocean conservation strategist Gcobani Popose.
With an exclusive 1.5 million sq km economic zone, the aquaculture sector held significant potential and had already exceeded expectations.
Popose pointed out that the new Aquaculture Bill was currently under review by state law advisers.