Over-fishing and pollution of the oceans have depleted natural fish stocks alarmingly in South Africa. The result is that in the future much of our fish requirements will be met from commercial fish farms (aquaculture).
According to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), aquaculture in South Africa (or fish farming) is divided into freshwater fish farming and marine (sea water) fish farming.
The local aquaculture industry is well organized through representative producer associations and the overarching AquacultureSA commodity group.
Aquaculture Systems in South Africa
The Start of Aquaculture in South Africa
The trout sector has largely pioneered the development of fish farming in South Africa. Although trout was introduced into South Africa for sport fishery purposes in the 1890s, commercial production only started in the 1960s. John L. Scott built the first permanent trout hatchery building in the Jonkershoek Valley outside Stellenbosch in 1894.
The stone building still stands today and is a national monument. The production of trout has been stable, increasing from approximately 1 000 to 1 500 ton per annum. South Africa’s aquaculture has experienced a rapid increase since 2012.
Total production of 3 927 tons was recorded in 2012, 4 802 tons in 2013 and almost 5 210 tons in 2014. Total production in 2015 was 5418 tons, which represents an increase of 4% from 2014. Export data from DAFF indicate that the South African industry is dominated by marine aquaculture species.
This is mainly abalone (Haliotis midae) exported from the Western Cape Province, which accounts for more than 80% of all South African aquaculture produce. Abalone and dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicas) from the Eastern Cape make 12.75% of aquaculture exports from South Africa.
Aquaculture Farms and Species
Freshwater fish farming is severely limited by the supply of suitable water: of both the correct quality and quantity. The most important areas for the production of freshwater fish species in South Africa are the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Kwazulu-Natal.
Freshwater species currently being cultured in South Africa include rainbow trout, brown trout, crocodiles, ornamental fish, African sharptooth catfish, Mozambique and Nile tilapia, marron crayfish and common carp.
Of these, rainbow trout, African catfish and Mozambique tilapia are the three dominant species. Various farming systems, from net cages in large dams to high-density indoor recirculation systems, are used.
What is Needed to Become a New Fish Farmer?
Aquaculture is both capital and skills intensive, as such, it would be unwise to under-invest and later find you have inadequate capital, knowledge and skills to become profitable. It is also important to realise that aquaculture is a farming activity, which involves living organisms.
This will require a fish farmer’s attention 24/7. Do you have the required temperament to work such hours or oversee staff working these hours? Fish farmers, especially the smaller scale operators, also tend to be everyone and everything to their business, from the driver delivering fish and collecting feed, to the pump technician, fish health specialist, human resource specialist and financial director.
The ability to build a team of people with diverse, complementary talents is one of the biggest benefits of scaling up an aquaculture business. Then everyone will be able to focus on their area of expertise.
What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics as a technology is a system that in a more intensive way combines recirculation aquaculture with hydroponics. In hydroponics, plants grow by being fed nutrient-rich water.
The idea behind aquaponics is that plants utilise fish waste from an aquaculture system as nutrients for plant growth. The clean water is then returned to the fish. This technology can easily change in size to suit smallholder farmers, community projects and commercial enterprises.
Market Potential of Freshwater Fish?
The market for aquaculture products is expanding throughout the world as populations grow. People are becoming more urbane and health conscious, which means the consumption of fish as food is increasing all over the world.
South Africa is traditionally not a fish-eating nation but its consumers have become more aware of the growing range of aquaculture products available in the stores.
Tilapia is becoming more popular as well as catfish sausage and burgers. Efficient production from aquaculture can make fish and seafood more affordable to the public and relieves the pressure from natural fish resources.
Aquaculture can play an important role in food security and food sovereignty. This means to have enough healthy food that is culturally appropriate and produced in a sustainable way.
How to Grow Freshwater Fish Farming in South Africa?
The growth of the South African aquaculture industry has the potential to contribute significantly to economic activity, poverty reduction, empowerment, employment and the sustainable use of coastal and inland resources to the benefit of local communities. To grow the South African aquaculture industry it needs an enabling environment.
This means legislation, policies, trade agreements and infrastructure to move fish products from the farmers to the markets. Better legislation, project funding, training, mentorship and extension services will assist aquaculture farmers to start with the right species in the right farming system, improve farming, increase yield and will build markets for freshwater aquaculture in South Africa.
By Henk Stander