November 5, 2007

South Africa to invest US$15.2 million in fish farms
 

In a bid to reduce its  heavy reliance on fish import, which reaches an average of 200,000 tonnes of fish per year, South Africa is  investing US$15.2 million  in six marine fish farming projects..

Aside from meeting the local consumers' needs, the African government is also looking on export opportunities.

The global demand for fish products has increased recently while the supply from capture fisheries has dropped. The aquaculture production has also recorded an increase of nine percent in the international scene, according to Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

During the National Summit on Subsistence and Small-Scale Fisheries.

Schalkwyk added that there are huge opportunities in marine aquaculture, which will not only reduce the pressure on wild stocks, but provide new economic opportunities.

The funds would be channeled to three finfish aquaculture projects in Gansbaai, Western Cape, Port Nolloth, Northern Cape, and Oolara, Eastern Cape. Also part of the project is a State hatchery.