Our Story

Our Objectives

The objectives of the Association is to contribute towards the development of aquaculture in Southern Africa through effective representation and dissemination of information. The Association undertakes to provide the following services to its members

  • Effective representation of interests on provincial, national and international forums.
  • The organisation of a biannual Conference with international representation.
  • A bi-monthly newsletter service with quality content and opportunities to contribute.
  • The development and maintenance of a website structure and associated services.
  • To facilitate the flow of information between its members and associated interest groups.
Management Committee

Chairperson: Prof Peter Britz
Vice-Chairperson: Henk Stander
Secretary: Natasha Marshall

Sector Representative:
Abalone Farmers Association of SA
Catfish Producers
Marine Finfish Farmers Association of SA
Tilapia Producers
Research Institutions
Ornamental Producers
Emerging Farmers
Trout Association of South Africa
Mpumalanga Trout Forum
Shellfish Producers

Aqua Start-up

Best management practices, legal compliance, sustainability and responsible growth of the aquaculture sector all depend on comprehensive and integrated planning around resources, social matters, environmental aspects, technical matters, markets and economics. For this reason, good planning in aquaculture is critical towards ensuring success and sustainability. Such planning should be based on a feedback process in which designs, plans, strategies, operations, economics and processes are continuously tested against the applicable resource, social and environmental matters so that any concept can be modified to best achieve success.

Trade Forward Southern Africa (TFSA) provides support and services to exporting and export ready businesses in SACU+M countries. Funded by the UK government, these much needed services are completely free of charge. TFSA empowers firms to tackle the main non-tariff barriers and navigate complex trade and customs challenges – through this, we strengthen local value chains and help local economies grow. Some of our key services include access to key trade information, monthly trade focused webinars and self-paced export training, with particular focus on five sectors (Aquaculture, Condiments and specialty foods, Cosmetics and natural ingredients, Fruits, nuts and vegetables, and Green technology and renewables) as well as support tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs.

Just like any other business venture, aquaculture requires a detailed and realistic feasibility study before initiation. The development of aquaculture activities must not be based on a perception of aquaculture being an appealing lifestyle choice.

Best management practices, legal compliance, sustainability and responsible growth of the aquaculture sector all depend on comprehensive and integrated planning around resources, social matters, environmental aspects, technical matters, markets and economics. For this reason, good planning in aquaculture is critical towards ensuring success and sustainability. Such planning should be based on a feedback process in which designs, plans, strategies, operations, economics and processes are continuously tested against the applicable resource, social and environmental matters so that any concept can be modified to best achieve success.

To support prospective aquaculturists, a basic checklist has been compiled that can be used to initiate planning of new aquaculture venture. This self guided primer for prospective aquaculturists only covers the basic drivers of a successful aquaculture practice and it will be necessary for further research into the viability of any new venture.

Aspect to be considered
Questions to be asked
Choice of a Species
  • Is the species indigenous, exotic or extra-limital?
  • If exotic, does the species occur in the area?
  • Is the species suited to the conditions and climate?
  • Are the rearing, biology and husbandry techniques for the species known?
  • Have the various approaches to production of the species been investigated?
  • Does the design of the facilities suite the species?
    Is feed readily available for the species?
  • What are the market prospects for the species?
  • Will the chosen species be spawned on site and if not, are sources of juveniles available?
Choice of a Site
  • Does the project conform to regional development objectives and is the site correctly zoned?
  • Can legal access be gained to the site?
  • Does the site have adequate water resources that can be accessed legally?
  • Is the site physically accessible?
  • What services (electricity, water, roads, sewage and refuse) are required?
  • What infrastructure is required?
    What is the surrounding land use and how will this influence the project?
  • What is the environmental sensitivity of the area?
  • Have floods, tides, winds and other forces of nature been considered?
  • Has aquaculture effluent discharge been considered?
  • What will the influence of the project be on its neighbors?
General Feasibility
  • Has a feasibility analysis and business plan been done for the project?
  • Is the project financed and has provision been made for capital reserves?
  • Is the required technology available?
  • Are the required human resources and skills available?
  • Are the required support services in place and have the logistical needs been considered?
  • Have water, species and feed resources been considered in detail?
  • Have social matters been addressed. Is the project acceptable to neighbors and local communities?
Market Analysis
  • Have the markets been identified and secured?
  • Has market timing, seasonality, needs and price been research?
  • Is the market size and demand known?
  • Can the quality demand of the market be matched or bettered?
  • In what form should the product be presented in the market?
  • Is the market competition known?
    Have market logistics (handling, freezing etc.) been considered?
  • Have the phyto-sanitary and other legal requirements been addressed?
Contact us

Tel: +27 63 625 8670

Email: info@aasa-aqua.co.za

We’re always looking to connect, network and inspire those passionate about Aquaculture and how we can work together to create a sustainable aquaculture industry.