Aquaculture potential identified

THE GROWING aquaculture industry has been identified as a potential growth market, and Eastern Cape Development Corporation aquaculture specialist Rory Haschick believes the Eastern Cape is well positioned to capitalise on the opportunities presented. “ECDC is actively identifying and developing investment opportunities in this sector throughout the province,” says Haschick.” While oyster farming has been around for a long time, operations in Hamburg, Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth are set to expand significantly on the back of firm demand from the local market. Haschick believes the Eastern Cape has several advantages which make it a viable investment destination for finfish mariculture, but he says that although there has been an increase in the number of finfish operations, high barriers for entry into shrimp and abalone are a concern.