Aquaculture is set to break out of its niche
The West Coast District Municipality has identified aquaculture as a key investment sector in the region, and is in the process of establishing suitable locations in the region for fish farming.
Aquaculture, though still a relatively young sector, is an exciting prospect especially as the West Coast region offers opportunities along the coast and inland at specially constructed fish farms.
Species such as abalone, finfish and seaweed are particularly promising and potentially lucrative investment avenues worth exploring. South Africa is leading the way in aquaculture in Africa, with new projects being established up and down the coutry's 3 000km coastline.
National government has even given the sector its backing as significant to local economic development.
In early 2008 a fishing farm in the Western Cape received a R40-million expansion investment that will enable it to reach a production capacity of 300 tons. Click here for more.
| Product / Service | Description of opportunity | Sector | Location | Investment sought | Exposure required |
| Aquaculture | Cultivation of fin-fish, abalone and seaweed for the local and export market | Aquaculture | Doring Bay, Papendorp | R50-mil | International and local |
| Aquaculture | Cultivation of fin-fish and abalone | Aquaculture | Bergrivier, Cederberg, Matzikama, Saldanha Bay, Swartland | At least R1-mil start-up |
International and local |
| Fresh water production | Produce freshwater from seawater for residential use | Local household | Doring Bay, Papendorp, Strandfontein | R30-mil | International |
For more information on the local municipalities:
Bergrivier
Cederberg
Matzikama
Saldanha Bay
Swartland
For more information on the West Coast District Municipality and the opportunities available please contact Mr Marthinus Boois by email on mboois@wcdm.co.za or by tel: +27 22 433 8530.
