Guide to authorisation requirements for aquaculture in South Africa​, 2022

Freshwater aquaculture in South Africa includes a vast array of mainly alien species ranging from Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus and Oreochromis niloticus), Sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Brown trout (Salmo trutta), Ornamental koi and Carp (Ciprinus carpio), and Marron (Cherax tenuimanus) (i.e. freshwater crayfish) forming the bulk of commercial production. This guideline provides an information source regarding the authorisation requirements applicable to undertake an aquaculture activity in South Africa. It is not a legislative review and has no legal standing, but provides guidance to the legal frameworks, which are legally binding towards the protection and responsible use of our environment.

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Legal guide for the aquaculture sector in South Africa​, 2013

The guideline is focused on assisting people who are interested in pursuing aquaculture (either marine or freshwater aquaculture) as an enterprise and who need to know what the legal requirements affecting their project are. It will also be of use to those who provide associated services such as broodstock producers and suppliers, drugs and feed manufacturers and suppliers, processors, wholesalers and retailers, marketing bodies and the industry associations. The guideline will also assist secondary stakeholders who are indirectly affected by the regulation of the sector, in getting a better understanding of the scope of legal requirements that need to be complied with.

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A manual for rural freshwater aquaculture, 2010

"If water is available to grow fish, aquaculture offers more choice than farming on land. This is because there is almost always a suitable species of fish that can be cultured in the available conditions. However, it is important that only species with requirements compatible with the region’s environmental conditions are cultured. For example, trying to grow a coldwater species such as trout in warm water will not work; however, tilapia or catfish would do well in warm water". This project was formulated to address a number of issues, such as developing provincial aquaculture strategic plans, revitalising state hatcheries, training of extension officers, and the development of a manual to complement the training. The manual is not only intended for the training of extension officers, but is also resource material to be used in the field when interacting with farmers. .

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