Marine Aquaculture
East London’s location on the eastern seaboard of the South African coastline offers opportunities for the development of a vibrant marine aquaculture cluster. Marine aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food production systems in the world with an average growth rate of 8,8% per annum between 1950 and 2004.
South Africa’s aquaculture production has shown an increase over the last decade, with abalone farming the biggest net gainer. It has grown from a total production of farmed abalone of less than 100kg in 1996, to approximately 900 tons produced in 2006 with an export value of US$25 million (R175 million).
The profitability of and demand for the product has led to the massive growth. Today South Africa is regarded as the leading producer of cultured abalone in the world.
The East London IDZ offers investors an unparalleled site to locate their enterprises. With an already established player successfully producing farmed abalone, it is apparent that the potential easily translates to realisable gains. The area earmarked for the marine aquaculture cluster is less than 100m from the shore. Access to good quality sea water and seclusion from bathing beaches ensures high levels of bio security.
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