Pixabay (stock image)
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber says it notes with caution the government’s decision to dismiss the appeals process by different stakeholders against the proposed Algoa Bay fish farm.
The Chamber says in a statement that while it supports the principle of sustainable development, it remains concerned that the Fish Farm development may pose threats to related sport and eco-tourism activities.
Business Chamber CEO, Denise van Huyssteen, says any planned aquaculture operations should not negatively impact tourism or any other business sector operating in Nelson Mandela Bay.
She said the Chamber trusts that the strict environmental criteria in the approval process will be adopted fully by the developer and monitored by the relevant agencies appropriately.
The Department of Environmental Affairs approved and issued an Environmental Authorisation to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, for the establishment of the Algoa Bay Fish Farm in February last year.
A letter was sent to all stakeholders allowing them to appeal.
The two sites approved are a 28.4-hectare mussel and oyster farm approximately 2 kilometres offshore from Kings Beach and a 355-hectare finfish culture farm approximately 3 kilometres offshore of the Port of Ngqura.
