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NMBT raises concerns over Fish Farm

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After extensive consultations and research Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has found reason to be concerned with the proposed location of the Algoa Bay Sea Based Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ). Whilst all concerned understand the value and need for the fish farm in the future with regards to job creation, aquaculture projects as well as diminishing resources, the concern remains that the current location will have an immediate and potentially disastrous negative impact on the tourism sector.

The impact on the tourism sector will have negative repercussions on the local economy and environment.

The tourism sector contributes, through direct and indirect spend as recorded in the last financial year, R13 billion to the local GDP, sustaining over 33 700 jobs. Should the fish farm, however, find suitable alternative locations – which we have been advised are available – the tourism industry and fish farm could co-exist in the destination, creating greater opportunities and income.

The potential negative impacts include but are not limited to water safety and quality, the loss of recreational water users and water sports events, whale and dolphin watching activities, an increase in sharks and predator species and indirectly the loss of the Blue Flag Status of beaches which are internationally renowned. Nelson Mandela Bay beaches are renowned for surfing, sailing, kite surfing and kayaking, to name a few, as well as international water sports events such Ironman, and the 2015 505 World Sailing Championships, which will no longer take place with the fish farm development.

Apart from whales, dolphins and creatures getting tangled in the nets, the pollution caused by antibiotics and fish feces will add to disease and pollution factors. The visual beauty of our seafront will be tarnished due to the location of the proposed fish farm facilities and will impact on property and tourism values, as well as the broader destination experience.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has a continuous stance of supporting sustainable tourism principles at all levels, including environmental conservation and nature education; especially with regards to the marine and coastal aspects. Nelson Mandela Bay is privileged and fortunate to have valuable marine and coastal resources. With the impacts and changes caused to our coast through the proposed fish farm all marine life as it currently exists could be in jeopardy.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism feels that the project would be much more sustainable in an alternative location which does not impact on residents or the existing tourism economy.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.