Socio-economic impact study of Algoa Bay fishfarm conducted

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana says a socio-economic assessment has been conducted on the impact of the proposed fish farm in Algoa Bay as part of the environmental impact assessment.

Replying to a written question in the National Assembly from Andrew Whitfield of the DA, the Minister explained that in this assessment user conflict is assessed for specialist tourism and recreational activities.

He said the impact significance was regarded as medium with mitigation.

The Minister said an extensive public participation process had been conducted listing the number of meetings and presentations that had been made, where the documentation had been available and stakeholders consulted.

Zokwana said IF final authorisation for the development of an Aquaculture Development Zone in Algoa Bay was granted by the Department of Environmental Affairs, investment would then be sought.

There has been fierce opposition to a proposed fish farm in Algoa Bay from a wide section of the Nelson Mandela Bay public.

Ironman organisers have also indicated that such a venture would put the hosting of the event in Port Elizabeth in jeapordy.

Source:Metrominute