Joint Project Enhances Sustainable Development of Aquaculture in South Africa

In recognition of the need for the South African aquaculture industry to be developed sensitively, under good governance and towards equitable and sustainable community benefit, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is collaborating with 15 partner organisations across the Atlantic Ocean.

Aquaculture in South Africa is taking off with around 230 farms countrywide cultivating a wide variety of fish and shellfish species. In recent years, the industry has expanded substantially, with production levels increasing by almost 75% since 2013 to approximately 6000 tons.

The sector brings economic benefits as the total sales value across the industry in 2018 was approximately R1 billion, excluding additional value generated through leisure and tourism by activities such as trout farming. Over 86% of the value of the industry is represented by marine aquaculture, such as abalone farming.