A coordinating body for the Aquaculture Sector in South Africa has been discussed by stakeholders for several years. In 2003 a formal process leading up to the formation of such a body was initiated and funded by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) through the DEDT Special Purpose Vehicle Programme and driven by a Technical Forum. The Forum consisted of members from National (DTI:TISA, DEAT:MCM and DST and later NDA and DWAF) and Provincial (Western Cape: DEDT, Agriculture, Eastern Cape: ECDC, Northern Cape: DEAF, KwaZulu Natal: KZPG and later supported by the other 5 inland provinces) government departments, Industry and Tertiary Education Institutions. A Trust deed and a Conceptual Business Plan, for initially the Mariculture Institute of South Africa [MISA], was drawn up during January/ February 2004 ans was legally established and registered (Registration number IT316/2004) with the Master of the High court on 19 February 2004.

Due to the need for bringing the Freshwater and Marine Aquaculture sub-sectors closer, the name was soon thereafter changed to the Aquaculture Institute of South Africa (AISA) which operates as a non-profit organization in the fashion of a “one-stop-shop”.

AISA’s VISION is “To be a globally competitive Aquaculture sector in the Western Cape and in general in South Africa” and it’s MISSION is “To promote the integrated development of a sustainable and equitable Aquaculture sector for the Western Cape and in general for all South Africans”.

Since AISA is set-up as a public private partnership, all the projects fall within two programmes namely (1) an Industry Support Programme and (2) a Government Support Programme. The projects within the two programmes are therefore, in most cases, a collaborative effort between organizations and contribute to establishing a close working environment between Government and Industry.

To read more about the projects that are completed, look at the 'Publications page' (reports), and to read more about current projects read the 'News and Events' page.