Northern Cape
South Africa
Sector
Agriculture & Agri-processing
Aquaculture & Mariculture
The Northern Cape Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism has identified two viable aquaculture projects in the province that are in need of additional funding and expertise.
Mariculture Park
This project involves the construction of infrastructure that will be utilised for the grow-out of abalone and oysters. It is located on the coast line of the Northern Cape in a town called Port Nolloth. A site has already been identified and quarantined for construction. The park will involve the construction of dams into which water will be pumped and circulated from the sea; it is here that the grow-out will be taking place. Currently, rented infrastructure is being used to grow-out the abalone and oysters being farmed in the province. The idea is to locate an anchor tenant in the park and other SMME tenants to engage in various business activities related to fishing. The project is currently managed by FAMDA (Fishing and Mariculture Development Agency).
Support needed
Ideally, the department would like to see the park used for more than just abalone and oyster production. To this end, the department needs to process some market research as to the demand, locally and internationally, for various species of marine wildlife.
Catfish farming
This project involves the farming of catfish utilising dams located along one of the local rivers. The projects is located at the Vaaharts area within the Phokoane Municipality in the Northern Cape, about 100 kilometers north west of Kimberley. It is a private initiative that has the potential to create full time employment for about 200 people. The business entity is registered as Vaalharts Catfish Enterprise under the leadership of Mr Kannemeyer and Mr Puttick. The entity is currently operating on R7-million capex, and does hold BEE shareholding status.
Support Needed
The entity requires more capital for expansion purposes because they have identified additional markets for their product. There is also a need for more support in identifying a bigger market share locally and internationally.
For more information contact Darius Babuseng at the Northern Cape Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism on +27 53 830 4800 or email dbabuseng@perm.ncape.gov.za
