TRD: Institute for animal production: Aquaculture: POTENTIAL OF AQUACULTURE
Aquaculture in the Western Cape
Although the Western Cape Department of Agriculture is primarily involved with freshwater aquaculture, some investigations into mariculture have been undertaken, looking at the possibilities of rock lobster production and rainbow trout in seawater.
The following fresh water species are being produced in the Western Cape: Tilapia, Freshwater mullet, Common carp, Freshwater Crayfish, Various ornamental species and Waterblommetjies. The following marine aquaculture species are also being produced: Abalone, Mussels, Oysters, Sea-weeds and Threshold species.
Presently farming with trout is well established. It grows best in winter and is marketed in November. As it is known that tilapia species grow best in summer, it is suggested as an alternative species that can be used by aquaculture farmers to link with trout farming in order to provide a more sustained income for developing farmers.
Currently integrating aquaculture with agriculture production system has been developed in order to provide essential plant and animal protein. Aquaponics, which integrates hydroponics with aquaculture, has been established in Saasveld since 2004. Their investigation will revolve around the feasibility of fish-crops in an integrated aquaculture-agriculture system. This approach to food production is important in view of the scarcity of water in South Africa and also to alleviate the problem of malnutrition in Western Cape.
Potential Markets:
Tilapia: Potential Markets Download .pdf file
Trout: Trout production in South Africa Download .pdf file
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