Aquaculture gets a second chance in SA

Abstract

AQUACULTURE A recent study published by the Water Research Commission (WRC) indicates there is much potential if things are done right. Qurban Rouhani and Peter Britz of the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University, who did the baseline study, believe that aquaculture can provide protein for many poor people, and even make some money for emerging farmers. “But,” they say, “We need to know why we are doing it, where, and for whom.” The problem with past attempts, says Britz and Rouhani, was “a complete lack of direction.” During the 1980s several fish hatcheries and production units were set up in the former homelands to contribute to food security, but by the 1990s all of these had failed. The reasons, say the researchers, were mostly that there was little or no backup in the form of extension services and financial support. “The history of these Aquaculture Gets a Second Chance in SA Aquaculture, also known as fish farming, has been tried many times in South Africa, and failed as many times.

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