Welcome to the
SOUTH AFRICAN
KELP FARMING PROJECT
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), delivers science, technology and innovation partnerships to maximise the UK’s development impact internationally. It is within this context that the South African Kelp Farming project was commissioned. Phase 1 of the project served as a pre-feasibility study (implemented over 4 months from Dec 2021- Mar 2022), which has informed the Phase 2 feasibility study (to be implemented over 30 months from mid-2022 to Mar 2025).
The Bivalve Shellfish Farmers Association of South Africa (BSASA) is the delivery partner responsible for the implementation of the multi-stakeholder Kelp Farming Project, supported by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
The Phase 1 pre-feasibility demonstrated positive potential for kelp farming in South Africa and confirmed Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape Province as a suitable trial location for the ongoing Phase 2 Feasibility Study. This is due to the existing Oyster and Mussel farming industry, infrastructure availability within the established Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ).
Project Background
The Phase 2 Feasibility Study will build on the Phase 1 achievements by furthering investigations into the following activities:
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Refining the kelp hatchery/nursery technologies
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Trialling kelp weaning/grow-out technologies in Saldanha Bay
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Assessing kelp quality for food safety and certification
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Monitoring environmental parameters to assess environmental benefits/risks
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Exploring value chain and employment opportunities
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Developing an Integrated Financial Forecasting Model for kelp farming
The overall goal of the project is to gather, analyse and disseminate evidence and research results to a broad stakeholder base, including the existing aquaculture industry and new potential entrants to lay the foundations toward building a sustainable Kelp Aquaculture Industry in SA and the region.
Project Objectives
What Is Kelp And Why Farm It?
Kelp is a large brown seaweed. There are 3 kelp species of economic value in South Africa which includes Ecklonia maxima (1), Laminaria pallida (2) and Macrocystis pyrifera (3).
Potential uses of seaweeds include food supplements, plant growth enhancers, textiles, bioplastics, biofuel, carbon sequestration and habitat formation.
In South Africa, different initiatives have been independently involved in attempting to grow seaweed including kelp, and to develop niche products and markets for seaweed. This highlights the need for collaboration between government, industry, and research organisations to combine forces to address the potential development of a kelp aquaculture industry.
1. Ecklonia maxima
2. Laminaria pallida
3. Macrocystis pyrifera
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After collecting sorus material (1) of the respective species, we induce the release of billions of microscopic kelp spores (2) which settle onto twine wrapped around PVC spools in the hatchery.
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The spores develop into male and female gametophytes which release sperm and eggs. Once the eggs are fertilised, the zygote develops into macroscopic sporophytes and once the juvenile sporophytes are large enough (3), they can be out-planted onto rafts/long-lines in the sea (4).
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As soon as the kelps reach market size (5), they are harvested and tested for food safety after which they can be sold as raw product or processed into multiple other kelp products. This process is sustainable and may open doors for entry into kelp farming, boosting SA’s economy and job creation potential (6).
What Is The Process?
Promotional Video of the
South African Kelp Farming Project
Publications
PHASE 1
Bolton, J.J. and Rothman, M.D. (2024). The potential for kelp (order Laminariales) aquaculture in South Africa: a biological review. Bot. Mar. 67, in press - 10.1515/bot-2023-0055
Lück-Vogel, M., Bolton, J.J., Rothman, M.D., Bernatzeder, M., Macey, B.M., Cyrus, M.D., Arendse, D.C.Z., Pillay, P.J., and Brown-Webb, B. (2024). Considerations for kelp aquaculture on
South Africa’s west coast: geospatial analysis and research implications. Bot. Mar. 67 - 10.1515/bot-2023-0057
PHASE 2
PROJECT MANAGER QUARTERLY REPORTS
2022-2023
2023-2024
2024-2025
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
INFORMATION SHARING WORKSHOPS
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs)
(coming soon...)
USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES
USA BASED NATIONAL SEAWEED HUB:
USA BASED GREENWAVE HUB:
KELP FARMING MANUALS
Contact
Project Manager:
Dr Lizeth Botes
+27 83 230 3204
For general information and advice on Aquaculture farming, please contact the DFFE.