Mr P J C Pretorius Democratic Alliance (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) What percentage of the national marine production is derived from aquaculture farming?
(2) Whether any plans are in place to increase marine aquaculture’s contribution to the total national marine production; if not, why not; if so, what (a) plans, (b) is the targeted percentage and (c) are the timeframes for the increased contribution?
The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Answers:
(1) 0,3 percent
(2)(a) The department has developed a policy implementation plan that aims to stimulate growth of the sector. The plan has the following four components:
* research and development
* animal health and welfare
* business support and trade
* product quality and safety.
(2)(b)The targeted percentage is 0,4 percent over the next ten years. This would depend on the performance of the marine capture fisheries as well as the markets.
(2)(c)Ten years.
Issued by: Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs
10 July 2009
