opportunities
27 September 2006
Economic opportunities should be pursued in aquaculture in a manner that is
environmentally sound, stakeholders acknowledged at a recent aquaculture
workshop hosted by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, in its
capacity as South Africa's lead agent for marine aquaculture, in Cape Town
yesterday, 26 September 2006.
The workshop aimed to provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights
that will assist in mapping out the future agenda for aquaculture development
in South Africa, according to Deputy Director-General, Dr Monde Mayekiso, of
the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The workshop was held as
part of efforts to focus the resources of government, industry and science
towards accelerating delivery of a bigger and profitable aquaculture
sector.
With various stakeholders in attendance including legislators, researchers,
industry, labour, other national departments and provincial and local
government the workshop was marked with lively and constructive debates which
centred on the future of aquaculture said Dr Mayekiso. "Issues such as whether
aquaculture development should focus on food security or business, whether it
should be big business or small business development driven and whether it
should be capital or labour intensive, were some of the issues debated".
The workshop reached consensus that there is a need to create an enabling
environment that would support both the large and small-scale commercial
ventures. The workshop further agreed there was a need for support and
intervention from government, especially with regards to the disempowered.
It was further noted that a streamlined management process could be achieved
by better co-ordination by all tiers of government on aspects such as zonation
and environmental impact assessments.
The department will embark on a process to finalise policy through further
stakeholder consultations and public comment processes. The department will
further develop and implement a sector development plan that will be driven by
a dedicated aquaculture unit.
The department has released its draft policy for the development of a
sustainable aquaculture sector in South Africa for public comment. Comments on
the draft policy must be sent on or before 30 October 2006 to the following
address:
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Att: Marine Aquaculture Management
P/Bag X2
Roggebaai
8012
Tel: (021) 402 3911
Fax: (021) 402 3009
Email: aquaculture@deat.gov.za
The draft policy is available from our website: www.deat.gov.za
Contact:
Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 3917
Blessing Manale
Acting Chief Director: Communications
Tel: (012) 310 3862
Cell: 083 381 2939
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
27 September 2006
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)
