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 our projects & programmes - visit the Projects & Programmes page.

Related reports are available on the 'Publications page' (reports).