Yesterday’s approval of the proposed Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ) marks a significant milestone for the region.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries minister, Senzeni Zokwana, said the development zone would enhance sustainable aquaculture expansion in the bay and support the aquaculture objectives of Operation Phakisa.
Zokwana said the ADZ had the potential to increase investment in the area by over R400 million, with the direct revenue at full production estimated to result in over R800 million per annum.
“In addition, increased local production can meaningfully assist with the substitution of seafood imports and therefore realise social and economic impacts on a municipal, regional and national level,” he added.
The development of the ADZ has however met with some resistance from residents in the Langebaan area. Over 100 residents created a Facebook page last year called ‘People Against Saldanha Aquaculture’ and they continue to host events on the beach to oppose the development.
According to their Facebook page, they are concerned about the potential risks that it poses to the Langebaan Lagoon.
During the Environmental Impact Assessment process, residents submitted 60 comments and around 1 600 petitions to the company handling the EIA for the zone. Their concerns ranged from the impact on water quality to the potential impact of fish farming, including introduction of aliens and diseases.
However, Zokwana said that key mitigation and management measures would be taken to alleviate any risks identified.
“One such measure is the establishment of an Aquaculture Management Committee composed of the relevant government departments to oversee the management, monitoring and compliance of the environmental authorisation,” he said. “To ensure transparency and accountability, the consultative forum will be established to create a platform for interested and affected parties to engage with government departments and discuss environmental monitoring results.”
Approximately 1 800 hectares of sea-space was earmarked for aquaculture development in the bay. However, due to stakeholder inputs and other user needs, the initial area was reduced by over 50%.