DESCRIPTION OF THE SEA AND THE COAST PROGRAMME​
 
 
 

A marine and coastal research and development programme entitled `The Sea and the Coast' was initiated by the Foundation for Research Development (now the National Research Foundation), Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and SANCOR and developed by the whole marine research community after much consultation (refer to Annexure 1). It aims to promote the wise use of marine and coastal resources through appropriate marine science, engineering and technology. The emphasis on application is intentional and it is expected that the programme will make meaningful contributions to national or regional economies through enhancing the information support available for decision-makers in the public and private sectors. For the sake of convenience, the Programme has been developed as four separate but interacting thrusts.
 
This document includes a detailed description of each Thrust and an explanation on how the programme is managed.
 
Part A: Thrust descriptions
 
Thrust A: COASTAL COMMUNITIES AND LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

1. PREAMBLE
 
  
Living marine resources are extensively used by coastal communities and others for subsistence and commercial gain and for recreation. Scientific research plays an integral part in management for the sustainable use of these resources in accordance with the prevailing policy or policies. The Reconstruction and Development Programme succinctly outlines a policy aimed at optimal, sustainable use of living marine resources.
 
‘Marine resources must be managed and controlled for the benefit of all South Africans, especially those communities whose livelihood depends on resources from the sea. The fishing stock must be managed in a way that promotes sustainable yield and the development of new species. The democratic government must assist people to have access to these resources. Legislative measures must be introduced to establish democratic structures for the management of sea resources.’
 
In order to implement this, there is a clear need for fresh research initiatives addressing the problems of managing marine resources, with particular emphasis on the implications of the new policy and its goals. The SANCOR Sea and the Coast Programme has, in large measure, anticipated these issues and has been developed to address this need.

2. RATIONALE
 
The South African coastal and marine ecosystems include a rich and diverse flora and fauna which support a range of socio-economically important fisheries and non-consumptive uses. The demand for these resources is increasing rapidly even though many of them are already fully exploited and some have been over-exploited. In addition, as more equitable access to and distribution of resources is anticipated, there are increased expectations for greater income from, and participation in, resource use and management. These pressures and expectations need to be balanced by an awareness that the resources are limited and need to be rigorously managed if optimal long-term benefits are to be obtained from their sustainable utilisation.
 
The natural and human scientific and technical communities have an important role to play in attempts to meet expectations in a way that ensures sustainable use of the resources, by providing the expertise and information base upon which wise decisions can be based. Input from this quarter needs to be used, in conjunction with the appropriate communities, user-groups and management agencies, to develop strategies and techniques for management of the resources under changing patterns of access and use.
 
Further, while South Africa has considerable expertise and a proud record in marine research, traditionally this research and the management functions have been largely restricted to one sector of society. The need thus exists to broaden the base of expertise to make it more representative of South African society.

3. AIM
 
"To develop appropriate techniques and strategies to manage the sustainable, multiple-use of coastal living marine resources and to investigate ways in which the utilisation of these resources can be optimised forthe socio-economic good of society, especially those communities who earn a living that depends on them.
 
The Thrust will contribute to capacity building at all levels and to the empowerment of disadvantaged coastal communities to co-manage and use resources sustainably."

4. OBJECTIVES
 
The broad aim above will be addressed through the following objectives
 
4.1 To analyze and document existing information on coastal living marine resources and current patterns and methods of utilisation, including traditional and local knowledge.
 
4.2 To determine the needs and aspirations of coast-dependent communities and to assess the capacity within these communities to use and participate in the management of resources.
 
4.3 To identify species and opportunities for improved utilisation of living marine resources.
 
4.4 To determine sustainable levels of use of the resources and how to optimise the derived benefits.
 
4.5 To develop improved managerial techniques and strategies for multiple-resource coastal fisheries.
 
4.6 To assist in the identification of appropriate mechanisms and institutional frameworks (legal and administrative structures) for management, and to contribute to their development.
 
4.7 To assist in the development of South Africa’s human, scientific, technological, organisational and institutional capacity to ensure sustainable use and management of coastal living resources.
 
4.8 To establish research links between disciplines and different research ventures in order to maximise the benefits from the overall programme.

5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES IN THE RESEARCH APPROACH
 
5.1 The research should be directed at solving identified problems and should preferably be in response to community needs and requests.
 
5.2 Individual projects should involve participation of local people and user groups, and should incorporate local knowledge and insight.
 
5.3 All research should be of the highest scientific merit.
 
5.4 Studies should incorporate manpower development and have a focus on historically disadvantaged communities, including the historically black universities and technikons.
 
5.5 The research should preferably be inter-disciplinary and, in particular, directed toward establishing links between natural scientists, the legal profession, economists, social scientists and technologists. Links should also be promoted between different research ventures and institutions.

6. PROBLEMS TO BE ADDRESSED
 
This thrust addresses the use and management of inshore living marine resources. Within this field, two major problem areas have been identified:
  • a need for techniques to facilitate the management of informal commercial fisheries; and
  • inadequate knowledge of suitable approaches to optimise the management and use of resources for subsistence harvesting.
The acquisition of scientific knowledge will have to be accompanied by appropriate empowerment and capacity building within coast-dependent communities if these problems are to be addressed successfully.
 
Within the broad needs listed above, a number of specific problems were highlighted at a workshop involving a broad range of natural and human scientists. It is recognised that these issues will need to be reviewed and, where necessary, modified in discussions with the affected communities and user groups (See 4.2,5.1 and 5.2).
 
The following problems were identified.
 
6.1 Heavy fishing pressure on or over-exploitation of certain inshore stocks. Amongst other causes, the role of poaching and the need for effective methods of control were raised.
 
6.2 Reductions in quality and quantity of yields associated with heavy fishing pressure from subsistence harvesting of resources. The traditional harvesting of shellfish along the Transkei coastline was cited as an example of this issue.
 
6.3 Inadequate knowledge of "new" alternative and under-utilised resources. This has led not only to failure to reap from the marine resources the full benefits potentially available to users, but also to increased pressures on the traditional resources.
 
6.4 The inherent high variability, over a range of time-scales, in local abundance and availability of most species.
 
6.5 The inadequacy of much of the available catch and effort data for many fisheries, particularly subsistence and informal commercial fisheries.
 
6.6 Restrictions on the benefits derived from living marine resources created by limited or inequitable access to them and, conversely, the danger that improved access could lead to excessive use, resulting in reductions, or total loss, of benefits from the particular stocks.
 
6.7 Inadequate approaches to managing the multiple use of specific resources, leading to inefficient use of resources and to conflicts between different users. Several examples of cases in which user- conflicts exist were identified:
  • Kosi Bay (multiple use including traditional subsistence harvesting and tourism);
  • St Lucia and Aliwal Shoal (e.g. conflict between sport divers and linefishermen);
  • Algoa Bay (recreational and commercial use);
  • The Infant a-Arniston-Struisbaai area (commercial and recreational use of linefish and the conservation role of marine reserves;)
  • The Hermanus-Hawston-Hangklip area (commercial and recreational use of abalone, multiple activities in the Bot River estuary);
  • Saldanha Bay (small- and large-scale commercial use, recreational use, conservation and marine reserves);
  • West Coast (small- and large-scale commercial use, recreational use, conservation and marine reserves, mining activities);
  • seals (conservation, harvesting, impact on commercial fishing).
6.8 The potential impact of mineral extraction on resources and fisheries (e.g. West Coast mining activities).
 
6.9 Habitat degradation (e.g. some estuaries, coral reefs).
 
6.10 Inadequate public awareness and knowledge of issues related to marine resource utilization and conservation. A part of this problem was recognised to be a failure by the research community to disseminate their results and insights to all interested groups.

7. POSSIBLE TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES
 
The workshop participants identified approaches and methods which could contribute to solving the problems listed under 6. These, and others which may arise as research progresses, will be investigated and developed, as appropriate, as utilization and management techniques and strategies to alleviate or overcome the major problems.
 
7.1 Greater community involvement in decision-making, management and enforcement of regulations. This will contribute to and must be accompanied by a greater sense of ownership by communities.
7.2 The development of formal decision support systems to assist in the management of multiple-use of resources.
7.3 The use of reserves and closed areas as means of maintaining biodiversity, preserving sufficient spawning stock and reseeding exploited areas. Work done in this area will be closely cross-linked with initiatives dealing with marine reserves in Thrust B, which deals with the coast as a resource.
7.4 The development of new fisheries or non-consumptive uses for viable alternative resources.
7.5 The application of standard methods of stock assessment and management of resources where these are not yet in operation.
7.6 The development of new and improved methods for acquiring data and assessing stocks.
7.7 Studies into the economics of resource-use and the development of economic models allowing evaluation of alternative resource-use strategies and the economic impacts of changes.
7.8 The development of alternative harvesting techniques which better address socio-economic needs; for example, the implications of more labour-intensive techniques could be studied.
7.9 The generation of greater returns from catches by improving the quality of the final products.
7.10 The identification of alternative sources of income where utilization of living marine resources is inadequate to meet the legitimate aspirations of communities. Examples of such alternatives include tourism, resort development, other recreational and non-consumptive uses and charter-boat hire.
7.11 The improved education of coast-dependent communities, industry, recreational users, the scientific and technical community and any other involved groups in the issues related to the management of living marine resources for sustainable use.
7.12 The education referred to in 7.11, as well as the development of most techniques and strategies will inevitably involve the development of models for simulation of different scenarios for joint management actions.
 
Thrust B: THE COAST AS A RESOURCE

1. PREAMBLE
 
The coast is used by a plethora of different groups for economic, social or aesthetic gain. In order for these benefits to be optimised on a sustainable basis under increasing coastal urbanisation, hence making a significant contribution to the urgent national needs in the area of economic growth, housing and employment and for the coast to be able to support a larger population, ways and means of developing the coast and its potential need to be investigated.

2. RATIONALE
 
South Africa is a maritime nation with one of the longest seaboards in Africa. Not only is this a beautiful coastline but it represents a national heritage. It is an asset that generates very substantial income to the national and regional economies while providing social, spiritual and economic upliftment to millions of individual citizens of this country.
 
In order to realise this considerable potential of the coast, it is necessary to ensure that development is well planned, user conflicts resolved and ecological damage minimised. This research thrust, therefore, brings together natural and social scientists, economists and technical experts to provide information that will promote wise development of the coast and its resources in the best interest of the people of South Africa, particularly those dependant on the coast for their livelihood.
 
For the purpose of this thrust the coast is taken to be the land-sea interface, including the long open coast, estuaries, harbours, bays and dunes. The resources are the physical and biological riches (excluding consumptive use which is dealt with under Thrust A) and especially the coast’s unique capacity for human spiritual and social development.

3. AIM
"The aim of this Thrust is to provide the scientific support needed for optimal sustainable development and wise management of the coast and its resources. It aims to identi1~’opportunities for better use of coastal resources and study ways to minimise or ameliorate adverse impacts. At the same time it will build capacity at all levels."

4. THRUST FRAMEWORK
 
This thrust will provide the scientific information that will facilitate decision making needed to guide the planning, development and management of coastal resources. In order for this to be accomplished, it is proposed that three distinct but interacting initiatives will form the thrust. They are:
1. THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL INITAITIVE
2. THE IMPACTS ASSESSMENT INITIATIVE
3. THE PLANNING, CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE
The Opportunities and Impacts initiatives will provide the input into the Planning, Conservation and Management Initiative.

4.1 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL IN THE COASTAL ZONE
 
A new and exciting scientific initiative aimed at enhancing the benefits that can be derived from the coastal zone through the focusing of skills of natural and human scientists in assessing and promoting opportunities, especially those of tourism and recreation.
 
i) RATIONALE
 
Throughout the world, maritime nations have taken advantage of the opportunities that are offered by development in the coastal zone. In France, the turnover in the coastal zone in billions of francs is approximately mariculture bFF2, watersport industries bFF8, fishing bFF8 (and the French eat a lot offish) agriculture bFF12 and tourism bFFI32. South Africans (especially coastal communities) are poised to take fall advantage of the opportunities offered by the coast and its resources. In order to optimise and sustain such benefits these opportunities need to be identified, scientifically planned and promoted.
 
ii) OBJECTIVES
  • To identify opportunities unique for development in the coastal zone and to assess their capacity to contribute to the social and economic goals of the RDP.
  • To provide scientific support for government and communities in attaining optimal and sustainable benefits from developing the coastal zone and in management of existing coastal activities.
  • Evaluate the economics of tourism in the coastal zone of South Africa and develop a methodology for determining the carrying capacity of key coastal tourist sites.
  • Evaluate the social and economic implications (jobs, GDP etc) of marine recreational angling and commercial linefishing with a view to developing a strategy for equitable allocation of the linefish resource. This would contribute to the linefish management plan for the nation.
iii) HOW CAN THIS BE ACHIEVED?
 
In order to derive optimal benefit from the coastal zone it will be necessary to identify opportunities and assess their full potential (such as carrying capacity and sustainability) as well as investigating methods of improving the benefits obtained from current uses. Relevant scientific information will then be provided to those engaged in planning and developing use of the coast. This will be achieved through the focusing of research attention to specific fields.
The area considered to have the greatest potential is that of leisure and tourism, including harbours, marinas and piers; housing in a pleasing environment; industrial development (that can’t be placed elsewhere); energy sources; agriculture and mining. This field will include consideration of assimilative capacity of the coast and management of waste, if the developments are to support sustainable use.
 
In exploring the potential of these areas of opportunity particular consideration will be given to equitable access to the coast and its resources with particular emphasis on those who have been historically deprived of access. Further efforts will be aimed at encouraging development of opportunities that satisfy basic needs such as labour intensive activities.
 
Constraints to full leisure and tourism development lie in the quality of the experience and the ‘health" of the coastal zone (unpolluted, safety etc). At present the resource itself is threatened by poor planning and non-sustainable development due to a lack of adequate information.
There is a need, therefore, to assess the present status of Leisure and Tourism (L&T) usage of the coast with respect to economics, social needs, user perceptions, human and environmental health. This should result in the documentation of sensitive areas, identification of opportunities and development of goals, principles and objectives to aid decision makers in optimal and sustained development of L&T in the coastal zone.

4.2 IMPACTS ASSESSMENT
 
This initiative aims to assess and limit the negative impacts of development on the physical environment, the ecology and on humans, in order to aid management m the coastal zone. This will take cognizance of the anticipated population growth and the carrying capacity of the coast and will provide guidelines to ensure that all coastal development from the provision of basic housing to luxury tourism achieves the optimal quality of life for the affected parties.
 
i) RATIONALE
 
The coastal zone is under pressure and in great demand for physical development. Housing, tourism infrastructures, public access facilities, harbours, mining and waste disposal are examples that all hold enormous opportunities for development if properly managed. But the coast is also a region that is ecologically fragile requiring sensitive and sustainable development if the potential of the zone is to be realised.
The negative impacts of physical development in the coastal zone need to be identified and fully understood so that their effects can be minimised and where possible ameliorated to ensure sustained benefits. The full potential of the coast must also be protected for the use and benefit of future generations.
 
ii) OBJECTIVES
  • To identify and assess the negative impacts of development on the environmental and aesthetic quality of the coast
  • To identify and promote developments that have minimal impact on the environmental quality of the coast while providing the greatest socio-economic benefits
  • To investigate techniques in habitat restoration or enhancement.
 
iii) HOW WILL THIS BE ACCOMPLISHED?
 
This initiative will develop and bring together natural and human scientists and technologists by focusing on a number of key areas of scientific study surrounding impacts in the coastal zone. Consultation with civic associations, fora, local authorities, coastal communities, NGO’s, health and legal experts and other relevant and knowledgeable interest groups will assist in project design and prioritization. Anticipated areas of research will include-
Aquatic emphasis
  • Sewage disposal, storm water effluent, industrial and agricultural wastes, waste water management including re-cycling, moat technology and reed beds, industrial pollutants such as TBT, dioxin and heavy metals, shipping including oil pollution and bilge water problems
Terrestrial emphasis
  • Inappropriate land-use, physical variability, pressure on and lack of access to the coast
Ecosystem emphasis (human and ecological concerns)
  • Implications of disruptions to ecological processes in estuaries, bays and harbours, dune systems, representative ecosystems, beaches and sediments, catchment areas (as they affect the coast) and methods to minimise the negative consequences
Other
  • Those aspects of coastal oceanography and geomorphology which will facilitate the management of development, development of standards in monitoring of coastal water, land, sediment and biological quality, environmental rehabilitation and fresh-water conservation.
 
4.3 COASTAL PLANNING. CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
 
A programme to develop and facilitate the implementation of skills and techniques needed for the sustainable planning, conservation and management of the coast.
 
i) RATIONALE
 
The coast of South Africa bears testimony to many examples of non-sustainable development, inequitable access and poor conservation. Mostly, this is due to inadequate planning, ad-hoc development or poor use of available information. To unlock the true benefits of the coast and its resources an integrated coastal management approach is essential. This should ensure that planning, conservation and management are based on sound scientific facts. Community driven policy-formulation processes, underpinned by appropriate science and technology, are needed to formulate the principles, goals, objectives and strategies needed to derive sustained and optimal benefits from the coast. This will contribute to addressing the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.
 
ii) OBJECTIVES
  • To promote directed and co-ordinated research through networking and co-operation,
  • To assess the needs and aspirations of the different users of the coast as a resource,
  • To assess opportunities and constraints, including priority areas for conservation and development,
  • To facilitate effective decision support through the transfer of science and technology,
  • To enhance community participation through active promotion of education and capacity building.
iii) HOW WILL THIS BE ACCOMPLISHED?
 
By addressing coastal conservation, sensitivity and physical viability in a co-ordinated manner, considering such key issues as:
  • Identification of suitable study sites, with willing communities, identified problems and with potential to transfer results to other areas. Assessment of features of the coast, how they are utilised and the scope there is for improved utilisation. Based on perceptions, needs and optimal distribution of socio-economic benefits, design a "multiple- use" strategy for the development of and access to a specific site such as Aliwal Shoal, etc.
This will lead to facilitating science and technology transfer to improve and assist management actions, embracing such issues as:
  • Education and capacity building, developing strategies for technology transfer, application of GIS, predictive modelling and other techniques in decision support, developing consultative strategies, defining socio-economic, legal, health and safety guidelines.
 
Thrust C: OFFSHORE LIVING RESOURCES AND SOCIETY

1. PREAMBLE
 
The demersal component of South African fisheries currently provides the most valuable proportion of the total yield, worth approximately R600 million (52%). About 9000 people are directly employed in this sector and a further 1200 in distribution of products. The offshore resources may have limited scope for expansion but require increased scientific attention to ensure that increased yields are sustainable. However, there is scope for increasing the benefits from existing exploitation by more efficient utilisation and management of by-catch species.

2. RATIONALE
 
Extremely good progress has been made over the last decade in South African marine science in furthering knowledge of the ecology and biology of pelagic species and hence in contributing to their wise utilisation. It has recently been accepted, however, that there is a need to concentrate further research on other very important and economically valuable coastal shelf systems.
 
The species driving the commercial trawl fishery are the Cape hakes. Others species, such as Agulhas sole, kingklip and horse mackerel, are examples of other essential components of the demersal fishery. However, our knowledge of the population dynamics and life histories of most demersal fish in South Africa, except possibly for hakes, is inadequate for their rigorous management, especially if the industry begins to diversify away from the present target species. Further, the available demersal research expertise is currently limited in number and experience. The collapse of the northern cod stock off Canada’s east coast and the almost disastrous over-exploitation of South African kingklip should challenge an assumption that demersal ecosystems are not easily perturbed. A clear need therefore arises for both pure and applied research on the South African demersal resources as well as for studies of the impact of the environment on their dynamics, with a view to adding to our knowledge of the demersal ecosystem as a whole.
 
The main target species, the hakes, declined in abundance in the mid-1970s but have subsequently recovered under conservative management strategies. This recovery is still underway, with a potential increase in yield from 140 000t to 160 000t. This provides limited scope for broadening participation for these species. In addition, the proportion of by-catch species has been increasing and now constitutes a significant proportion of the total income generated by offshore resources. There are several by-catch species with scope for even better utilization, which is likely to result in increased ecological and management-related problems.
In addition to the West and South Coast based demersal industry, a small but valuable demersal fishery operates off the Natal coast (400t worth R9 million). The four target species there are also shared with Mozambique and require joint management. In local terms this industry provides considerable employment and utilization opportunities.
 
Research initiatives in the offshore resources will provide scope for social, economic and traditional fisheries investigations, ranging from basic biological studies to sophisticated modelling efforts. These will provide excellent possibilities for training new entrants with career paths to the higher levels, dependent on technical and managerial skills.

3. AIM
 
"To provide an improved scientific basis for the management and sustained, efficient utilisation of the multiple species making up the offshore living resources, leading to the optimisation of economic benefits to society, job creation and capacity building."
The thrust should be aimed primarily at demersal resources, the fisheries and people dependant on them. The main research areas will be:
 
3.1 Research into the dependence of coastal communities, the fishing industry and its employees on exploited stocks, with a view to identifying the potential for economic upliftment through broader-based utilization.
 
3.2 Improvement of the required knowledge of basic biology, behaviour and environmental interactions of the key species of demersal fish, cephalopod and crustacean resources.
 
3.3 Results from these will lead to substantial improvements in the assessment and survey techniques which will contribute to the improved management of the resources.
 
3.4 Whereas the west coast currently provide the greatest economic contribution, the higher diversity of the south and east coast communities provide greater scope for expansion of offshore resources. All three areas have to be considered.
 
3.5 Only a few species are currently subject to formal stock assessment and management. This thrust will enhance these procedures and develop effective management approaches for other important demersal species.

4. STRUCTURE OF THIS THRUST
 
The structure of the thrust can be broadly divided into three on a discipline basis, with each subfocus dependent on inputs and outputs from adjacent subfoci.
 
4.1 Development of the Management plan:
 
incorporates simulation studies with considerable interactions with user groups and participants to arrive at an agreed procedure. It includes criteria based on market demand, stability in the industry and economic criteria concerning operating costs as well as input from the other subfoci.
The development of the management plan will depend on two research initiatives:
 
4.1.1 An investigation of the status quo
a) What different user groups benefit from the utilisation of offshore resources?
b) What species are they utilising (catching) and exploiting?
c) What methods are being used to exploit, process and market the products?
d) What are the social and economic costs and returns?
e) What is the status (biomass and potential yield) of the affected stocks?
g) What are the current methods of management and assessment of the affected stock?
4.1.2 Provision of information to facilitate decisions on future strategies
a) Assessments of potential of new species (including under-utilised by-catch).
b) Impacts of new patterns of exploitation (including new entrants).
c) Potential for product enhancement.
d) Potential for new fishing strategies including use of remote sensing.
e) The scopes for and benefits from improved surveys and assessments
f) Socio-economic models to evaluate benefits from different management approaches
g) Improved management procedures, including resource risk assessment, socio-economics, multiple species(?).
h) Improved exploitation control, including greater user participation.
i) Identification of needs for capacity building at all levels to enhance user’s ability to utilise and co-manage resources (appropriate technology, education, training, legislation).
4.2 Investigating the biology, ecology and behaviour of selected species
Two regional thrusts: Southern and western Cape and Natal
Natal: the focus is on the status and stock assessment of deep water crustaceans (4spp)
Southern and western Cape:
1) Focus on investigation of the by-catch and future possible utilisation
2) Focus on two species to illustrate the potential/value of the by-catch species. For instance two species which have increased in value so that they are now partially targeted are Monk and Ribbonfish.
4.3 Assessing the environment:
The following major driving forces can influence processes and organisms on the shelf and should form the focus of this research:
4.3.1 The Agulhas Current system has a major impact on the biophysical environment of offshore species on both the west and south coasts and off Natal.
4.3.2 Spawning behaviour and early life history stages are influenced by the water column structure -primary production zooplankton pathways and offshore losses or mixing through currents.
4.3.3 Older stages are directly influenced by the distribution of temperature, oxygen, thermocline stratification, in terms of horizontal migrations as well as vertical movements. These greatly affect the survey techniques to be employed during stock assessment cruises as well as the availability of fish to fishing vessels using different techniques.
 
Thrust F: MARICULTURE THRUST

1. PREAMBLE
 
Mariculture has been termed the "Blue Revolution" as a result of its immense impact on the well being and economies of those countries which have encouraged its development. In South Africa it is a relatively new and exciting development which, to date, has been driven by the private sector and supported by a committed and effective research effort by various research institutes and universities. However, the potential employment and wealth creating benefits of mariculture for coast-dependent communities are also considerable but unexplored, particularly in view of declining near-shore fisheries and depressed local economies.

2. RATIONALE
 
Except for the farming of oysters, mariculture in South Africa is a fairly recent initiative. The first 85 tons of mussels were produced in 1985 and the first 10 tonnes of prawns were produced in 1992. Several abalone farms are currently in various stages of development. During the period 1985 to 1992 the mariculture industry, in terms of production, grew by 802%. In 1992 a total of 5 million oysters, 1086 tonnes of mussels and 39 tonnes of prawns were produced. In 1992 the industry employed some 400 people, had a capital investment of approximately R32,5 million, and the unprocessed products were worth R1 5,5 million.
 
A need has been identified to capitalise on this success by initiating a dynamic, though pragmatic, mariculture research and development thrust to;
(i) develop new technologies (species and systems) to further encourage the production of high value commodities, thereby creating employment opportunities in depressed local economies. (Mariculture in South Africa is nearly 8 times more labour intensive than in France and Tasmania and therefore has the ability to create more jobs per ton of product produced than in many other countries).
 
(ii) contribute towards the sustained utilisation of natural resources by subsistence and recreational fishermen.
(iii) to build capacity and expertise in communities dependent on the coast for their livelihood.
The development of technologies for the culture of aquatic organisms over the last three decades has resulted in aquaculture industries making an increasingly significant contribution to global fishery yield. During the last decade the contribution by aquaculture to the total world fisheries output has risen from 7.9% in 1984 to 15% in 1994, and it is estimated to contribute between 20 and 25% by the turn of the century.
 
The rapid development of mariculture in many countries, particularly Chile, Tasmania, New Zealand, Norway, Ecuador, France and Spain has been driven by substantial government-supported R & D programmes. The principal aim of these programmes, was to provide underdeveloped, coast-dependent, communities with employment and wealth creating opportunities. These programmes have all been successful. The overriding aim of the SANCOR Mariculture Thrust is identical, i.e. to develop technologies which can create jobs and wealth.
 
Mariculture development in South Africa has lagged behind the rest of the world, particularly as a result of a (questionable) reliance on our marine fisheries, a lack of vision, the general reservation and preservation of estuaries for recreational activities, and an inadequate and unfocused research input. This thrust aims to redress the shortsightedness of the past and to initiate a turn around. Given the general paucity of suitable offshore mariculture sites along the South African coast the thrust also provides an opportunity for innovation in terms of adapting or developing profitable on-shore technologies.
The benefits of the thrust include:
  • the development of appropriate labour intensive technologies
  • the promotion of small business development, employment and cash flow in economically depressed coastal areas
  • the preservation of the livelihood of coastal line-fishing communities by alternative job creation opportunities
  • proactive step for the conservation of marine linefish stocks
  • foreign exchange earnings
  • capacity building, at all levels, to enhance mariculture development and to address problem areas with innovation.
3. AIM
 
"To closely network with current and prospective stakeholders regarding future requirements and opportunities; to enhance human capacity to provide the scientific and appropriate technological basis and strategies for the development of mariculture; to enhance human and institutional capacity to provide the environmental guidelines and a framework for sustainable growth and development of the industry for the socio-economic benefit of coast-dependent communities".

4. SCOPE OF THE MARICULTURE THRUST
 
With this broad aim the scope of the thrust will be addressed through the following objectives.
  1. To determine the needs and aspirations of coast-dependent communities and how mariculture can contribute towards job creation and financial independence.
  2. To network the existing stakeholders in South African mariculture to articulate their needs and future interests.
  3. To focus on human capacity building, i.e. to produce technologists and highly competent and innovative scientists who, in collaboration with the private sector, have the necessary skills to initiate and develop mariculture ventures.
  4. To undertake research on predetermined candidate species and systems to enhance our knowledge in a practical and intellectual manner with which to enhance the development of mariculture in South Africa.
  5. To develop technologies for small and large scale farming of high value food and ornamental fish.
  6. To develop the technology for stock enhancement of threatened marine angling species as a contribution towards ensuring the sustainable utilisation of these resources by fishing communities and recreational sport anglers.
  7. To develop the technology and strategies for small scale commercial seaweed and shellfish farming.
  8. To assist with the transfer of developed technologies.
  9. To enhance our understanding of the environment(s) in which mariculture operates and the changes therein, generated by farming activities and other forcing (including anthropogenic) factors and to build human and institutional capacity in this field.
  10. To develop decision support mechanisms for the geographic location of species specific mariculture ventures.
  11. To contribute towards the development of competitive and more efficient production and management strategies.
  12. To encourage the growth of the industry through formal and informal cooperation and communication with present and future small and large scale producers and to disseminate information through appropriate publication channels and technical workshops and seminars.
  13. To develop links between research disciplines and commercial ventures to maximise the benefits of the overall SANCOR Sea and the Coast Programme.
5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
 
  1. All research should be of the highest scientific standard.
  2. Apart from scientific and technological capacity building during the enabling phase, projects designed to develop new technologies should also actively seek ways in which to transfer that technology and to incorporate a manpower development programme during the transfer and implementation phases.
  3. Wherever possible the research should be inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional, with particular focus on the historically black universities and technikons.
6. STRUCTURE OF THE MARICULTURETHRUST
 
The thrust consists of two inter-dependent sub-programmes. These are
6.1. the establishment of a continuous networking programme between stakeholders
6.2. a technological development and environmental risk assessment programme. The sub-foci which require networking and research attention within these two subprogrammes are;
 
6.1 Sub-programme: Networking
 
The aim is to provide the mechanism for ongoing interactive communication to assess ideas, opportunities, needs, perceptions and aspirations of current and future stakeholders. The mechanism for the implementation of this sub-programme will be by way of a series of workshops (under the auspices of SANCOR and the Mariculture Association of South Africa).
  1. Industry workshops - to articulate the research needs and requirements as perceived by the mariculture industry in the short- and long-term. This will provide the necessary impetus for continued collaborative work and will provide formal and informal backup to the industry to encourage the present momentum of mariculture development in South Africa.
  2. Opportunities workshops - to develop a strategy to assess the potential economic benefits and social upliftment opportunities of coast dependent communities by mariculture activities. This will provide the starting point to undertake a socio-economic analysis of the implementation of commercial, community based, mariculture ventures, e.g. small-scale shellfish or ornamental fish farming.
6.2. Sub-programme: Production technology and environmental risk assessment.
 
The aim is provide the opportunity for capacity building at all levels to produce the production technology know-how for the development of mariculture and to ensure its environmental sustainability. Four sub-foci requiring attention have been identified in the first instance.
6.2.1 Finfish rearing technology
The aim is to build the human and technological capacity to develop and initiate marine fish farming in South Africa and will focus on the development of the technology for the production of marine fish for human consumption, linefish stock enhancement, and for the high value aquarium fish trade.
Research opportunities:
  1. Identification of candidate food and angling species based on value, status, and biological criteria.
  2. Broodstock conditioning and induction of spawning. (iii) Development of larval rearing protocols.
  3. Development of larval rearing protocols.
  4. Development of juvenile rearing technologies, including systems.
  5. Development of culture technologies of marine fish for the aquarium trade.
  6. Development of viable technology transfer strategies for ornamental fish farming.
  7. Diseases and fish health management under culture conditions.
6.2.2 Seaweed mariculture
 
The aim is to undertake coordinated and integrated research to provide the scientific basis for the successful farming of seaweed, both as a source of agar and as a feed for abalone. Research opportunities:
  1. Refinement of small and large scale cultivation methods (raft and tank culture)
  2. Physiological responses of Gracilaria to environmental factors.
  3. Diseases of the crop and health management.
  4. Determination of the viable size of small scale farming operations and transfer of the technology.
6.2.3 Environmental interactions and anthropogenic effects
 
The aim is to develop the human and technological capacity to implement a strategy of environmental risk assessment and minimisation by assessing and modelling the environmental variables and interactions.
Research opportunities:
  1. Estimation and modelling of carrying capacity (the current Saldanha Bay mariculture /environment interaction programme would serve as a model for future studies).
  2. Assessment of the presence, accumulation and effects of toxic compounds in existing mariculture areas (TBT, PAHs and CBs).
  3. Modelling of shellfish toxicity in respect of phytoplankton bloom dynamics.
  4. Investigate the prevalence of diseases of concern for human health in farmed shellfish.
  5. Development of standard monitoring and analysis protocols for sustainable mariculture at selected sites.
6.2.4 Site selection
 
There is a need for the identification of suitable sites for mariculture along the South African coast.
Research opportunities:
  1. The development of a suitable technique, probably using GIS technology, for the identification of sites (marine and estuarine) for different forms of mariculture along the South African coast.
7. LINKAGES WITH OTHER THRUSTS
The most obvious areas of networking with other thrusts from The Sea and the Coast Programme be with the Communities and Living Marine Resources" and "The Coast as a Resource" initiatives. Participants are urged to establish cross-thrust links during the development of their projects to make the overall The Sea and the Coast Research Programme truly inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional on a social as well as a marine science basis. Links between this and other Programmes or research groups could be established in coastal zoning and utilisation, the Linefish Research Group, impacts of users on the coast, coastal oceanography, land-use planning, pollution, water quality, human health, application of GIS, predictive modelling and other techniques in decision support and development of small-scale fisheries.
 
PART B: THE SEA AND THE COAST PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
 
The Programme management is by a Joint Venture Advisory Committee, which has representatives from the SANCOR Steering Committee, Thrust Advisory Panel Committees, NRF and DEA&T.
 
JOINT VENTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
 
The role and functions of The Sea and the Coast Programme’s Joint Venture Advisory Committee are to
  1. ensure the overall objectives of The Sea and the Coast Programme are met
  2. guide the development of The Sea and the Coast Programme
  3. plan, review and assess research in the Programme
  4. ensure that the objectives of the Thrusts are met
  5. advise the Steering Committee on the overall funding of the Programme and Thrusts, and in conjunction with it raise funds
  6. keep the SANCOR Forum, Steering Committee and Thrust Advisory Panel Committees informed of developments in the Programme and seek their advice
  7. interact and collaborate with related users and researchers
  8. ensure that results are disseminated appropriately and widely
  9. appoint members of the Thrust Advisory Panel Committees
  10. facilitate the establishment of appropriate Coordinating Groups
  11. ensure networking between Thrust and appropriate Coordinating Groups in conjunction with other role players.
THRUST ADVISORY PANEL COMMITTEES
Thrust Advisory Panel Committees are small groups with balanced representation of users and project leaders who will be appointed by the Joint Venture Advisory Committee for periods of two or three years with an option to extend.
The role and function of Thrust Advisory Panel Committees are to
  1. be responsible to the Joint Venture Advisory Committee for the management of the Thrust
  2. coordinate and steer the projects within the Thrust according to accepted objectives
  3. identify gaps and advise on priorities within the Thrust
  4. assess research proposals and progress within the Thrust
  5. report to the Joint Venture Advisory Committee on the progress of the Thrust and of each project within it
  6. recommend on funding of projects within the Thrust
  7. provide active support in fund raising initiatives
  8. where necessary form cross-links with Coordinating and other Thrust Advisory Panel Committees
  9. disseminate information about the Thrust and its progress
  10. diagnose the need for and facilitate the formation of appropriate Coordinating Groups in consultation with the Joint Venture Advisory Committee
This programme ended in 2000.
The Sea and Coast II programme has been developed by SANCOR as a successor to the successful SANCOR "The Sea and the Coast Programme, 1996-2000" which was funded as a joint venture by the NRF and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
The development of the new framework has involved identification of priorities by the SANCOR regional fora in 1999 as well as a national SANCOR programme planning workshop that was held during March 2000. In addition, an independent evaluation of "The Sea and the Coast Programme, 1996-2000" was undertaken, and the strengths, weaknesses and gaps identified during this process were taken into account when developing the new proposed programme.