Red tides are a dense bloom of phytoplankton. These tiny algae, like plants, use the energy form sunlight to manufacture organic food from carbon dioxide and water through the process of photosynthesis. Oxygen is produced during this process.

Rocky shores are among the most dynamic of all ecosystems. Crashing waves and the twice-a-day fall of this tides creates an extraordinary range of conditions on rocks, in pools and under boulders. The warm waters on the east coast are low in nutrients and so the seaweeds are generally small and contain tannins and lime to deter grazers. There are many predators, ranging form drilling snails and crabs to fish and birds. There are many different species each adapted to survive in its special niche.

Rocky shores are among the most dynamic of all ecosystems. Crashing waves and the twice-a-day fall of this tides creates an extraordinary range of conditions on rocks, in pools and under boulders. The cool waters on the west coast of South Africa are very rich in nutrients that upwell when surface water is blown offshore by the southeaster. Seaweeds and plankton flourish and there is abundance of food for herbivores and filter feeders such as limpets and mussels.

There is nothing better than making tasty homemade recipes with locally sourced South African aquaculture produce. You are able to savour a delicious meal and support small, medium and micro enterprises at the same time. This recipe book shares seafood recipes and easy to prepare cooking ideas for marine and freshwater aquaculture produce from South Africa.

This collection of recipes aims to help develop an appreciation for the nutritional value and unique taste of locally farmed fish and shellfish. Fish is one of the most nutritious foods containing high quality protein, essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and other nutrients. The following dishes are a collection supplied by current aquaculture farmers based all over the country. The South African aquaculture sector strives to implement best environmental practices, at the same time assuring consumers the safety and quality of its produce. We encourage readers to buy local produce which in turn helps sustain the South African economy and jobs in the aquaculture sector.

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic animals and plants, especially fish, shellfish and seaweed in natural or controlled marine or freshwater environments. In South Africa freshwater species include catfish, freshwater crayfish, trout and tilapia. Marine species include finfish, abalone, oysters and mussels. The industry provides approximately 6 000 tonnes per annum (2012, including seaweed), which is less than 1% of South Africa’s total marine wild catch which is in the order of 700 000 tonnes per annum. Sustainable livelyhoods can be achieved through aquaculture growth and fisheries economic development.

The progress made thus far through the Aquaculture Operation Phakisa is encouraging to the aquaculture industry, government and all related stakeholders. As challenges continue to rise, it is met with a commitment to collaborate and continue the momentum to further unlock growth of the sector. The aspirations set out for the Aquaculture Operation Phakisa are continually emphasised which is to contribute to food security and job creation; an increased contribution to the growth domestic product and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.