The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is fighting the proposed development of a fish farm off Hobie Beach.
Councillor Marion Harning made the announcement on Thursday on behalf of Mayor Ben Fihla at the launch of the Standard Bank Ironman Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa African Championship.
Harning said while the municipality fully supported national government's efforts to create jobs with this development, they were strongly opposed to having this facility close to a recreational beach.
She said the city could not risk job losses as a result of major events leaving the city.
"The fact is that Hobie Beach, Pollock Beach and the beaches along our beaches are our absolute jewels in our Port Elizabeth crown and the fear, from many of the residents and sporting groups, is that the water may be contaminated, that sharks may be encouraged to be there and also with our very strong winds the fish farm may not be secure and end up on the beach," said Harning.
The managing director for Ironman South Africa, Keith Bowler said they're not against the fish farm itself as job creation was important.
Bowler said there are other places to locate it.
"Firstly it will be unsightly in the Bay and in terms of visual events, these pictures are going all over the world, it's not the best place to take those take of photographs with fish farms ...," he said.
Meanwhile, the international spotlight will once again shift to Nelson Mandela Bay with the Standard Bank Ironman South Africa taking place on 29 March.
81 profressional athletes and nearly 2000 amateur hopefuls will take on the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180.2 km bike and 42.2 km run.
Bowler said preparations are on track with no changes to last year's course
Standard Bank Ironman African Championship course is one of six continental championships in the world. It is regarded outside of the world championships in Kona, Hawaii, as one of the top events to compete in. In terms of competitors we've got some of the best pro fields in the world," he added.
Standard Bank's Jenny Pheiffer says they hope to make it the best event ever.
"This is our first year as part of a three-year deal and partnership with Ironman South Africa. This is the big event, the big one on the calendar right here in our hometown of Port Elizabeth and we are excited and hope to make it the best event ever," said Pheiffer.
