Fish farm proposal worries experts

CONSERVATIONISTS and marine and tourism experts expressed concern at the weekend over the proposed floating fish farm to be located off Port Elizabeth's popular Hobie Beach.

At the launch of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) Algoa Bay Branch Know Your Bay Campaign on Saturday, several panel speakers said the fish farm would affect the city's tourism sector and have several negative environmental impacts. At the event, well known speakers were invited to speak about Algoa Bay's best environmental aspects and what should be protected in terms of conservation.

Tourism specialist Peter Myles said Port Elizabeth's beachfront was critical to its tourism potential.

It did not make sense to take a risk and construct the fish farm without evidence that it would be economically viable.

"Our main responsibility is to be custodians of the Algoa Bay domain. It is estimated that the Port Elizabeth beachfront generates R2-billion every year in tourism- related revenue and it supports 15000 jobs," he said.

"The total fishing industry in the Eastern Cape generates R400-million a year and employs 3500 people. When you compare the figures, it makes sense to focus our energy on tourism instead."

Myles said it also did not make sense for the municipality to spend millions on upgrading the beachfront if the fish farm would attract more sharks to the beaches, causing a danger to locals and tourists.

"Why this decision was taken, I do not know but let's fight it," he said.

Oceanographer Dr Eckart Schumann said the various currents along the coast could potentially shock the fish held in the farm cages, while Port Elizabeth marine biologist Dr Shirley Parker- Nance expressed concern over the impact on coastal reefs and coral species. - Lee-Anne Butler