Stakeholders "consulted" on Algoa Bay fish farm proposal - Minister

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Agriculture, Forestry and Fishers Minister, Senzeni Zokwana says that 25 “key stakeholders” were engaged during the public participation process for the proposed Algoa Bay “fish farm”.

Replying to a written question from Andrew Whitfield (DA), the Minister said among those engaged were the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Wildlife and Environmental Society South Africa,
African National Parks and South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity.

Zokwana said in addition, engagements were also held with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Port Elizabeth Deep Sea Angling Club, South African Squid Management Industrial Association, Algoa Bay Yacht Club and Pro Dive South Africa.

The Minister said the Draft Environmental Impact Report had been submitted for public comment for 40 days form May 15 to June 24 last year, during which several comments were received
and included.

In addition, he told the National Assembly, an Open Day Presentation had been held on June 3 at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club to provide an opportunity for interested and affected parties “to discuss any concerns or issues directly with the project team while more than four public participation meetings were held.

Zokwana said that the Marine Specialist Report had accessed user conflicts such as the safety of recreational water sport participants and the impact on recreational Scuba divers.

The impact on yacht sailing and recreational boat anglers’ on commercial squid and long line fisheries as well as on the declaration, functioning and management of the proposed Addo Elephant Park Marine Protected Area had also been assessed.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Affairs has scheduled a public meeting for the 26th of January to address those who have appealed against the Algoa Bay Sea-based Aquaculture Project.

The Department says the purpose of the meeting is to get clarity on submitted grounds of appeal and mainly to ensure transparency in the appeal process.

(Source: Metrominute - to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)

Zokwana said in addition, engagements were also held with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Port Elizabeth Deep Sea Angling Club, South African Squid Management Industrial Association, Algoa Bay Yacht Club and Pro Dive South Africa.

The Minister said the Draft Environmental Impact Report had been submitted for public comment for 40 days form May 15 to June 24 last year, during which several comments were received
and included.

In addition, he told the National Assembly, an Open Day Presentation had been held on June 3 at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club to provide an opportunity for interested and affected parties “to discuss
any concerns or issues directly with the project team while more than four public participation meetings were held.

Zokwana said that the Marine Specialist Report had accessed user conflicts such as the safety of recreational water sport participants and the impact on recreational Scuba divers.

The impact on yacht sailing and recreational boat anglers’ on commercial squid and long line fisheries as well as on the declaration, functioning and management of the proposed Addo Elephant
Park Marine Protected Area had also been assessed.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Affairs has scheduled a public meeting for the 26th of January to address those who have appealed against the Algoa Bay Sea-based Aquaculture Project.

The Department says the purpose of the meeting is to get clarity on submitted grounds of appeal and mainly to ensure tranparency in the appeal process.

(Source: Metrominute - to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)