A coordinating body for the Aquaculture Sector in South Africa has been discussed by stakeholders for several years. After several requests have formally been sent to government for a national entity, a formal process leading up to the formation of such an entity was initiated in 2003. This initial process was 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 was drawn up during January/February 2004 and was legally established and registered (Registration number IT316/2004) with the Master of the High court on 19 February 2004. In 2010, AISA held a stakeholder workshop with its financial contributors and stakeholders where the statement of intent was updated to suit its objectives for the next five years

AISA’s vision is to be a representative body for the entire Aquaculture Industry of South Africa that aims to build, grow and maintain a sustainable and stable Aquaculture Industry for the combined and individual good of each stakeholder.

Through its vision and ethical business practice, AISA aims to remain a people orientated organisation that shows real commitment to the Industry, knows its subject, constantly expanding its knowledge base, facilitates growth and facilitates change as required. This means that our actions reflect a pioneering spirit, integrity, honesty, reliability, dedication, passion, professionalism, transparency, and greater social consciousness and contribution.

AISA’s mission is therefore to co-create, -with its business partners in the Aquaculture Industry, government, community at large, and the Media-, a stable and sustainable Aquaculture Industry in South Africa that will benefit all stakeholders and society.

Through a range of relationships with its business partners in the Aquaculture Industry, government, community at large, and the Media, AISA will:

• act on behalf of the entire National Aquaculture Industry
• act as the main “bank of information” and making it accessible and usable for the entire Aquaculture Sector.
• act as a “one stop shop” for the growth and development of the Aquaculture Industry in South Africa (helping new and current members of the Industry)

• co-ordinate functionalities such as:
• Supply the necessary services to industry to ensure sustainability
• Supply the base, framework, development tools and necessary training, skills and knowledge to ensure sustainability
• create consumer awareness that would reflect positively on the growth and sustainability
• drive applied research -new and development
• provide Policy & Strategy assistance and inputs

To read more about our projects & programmes - visit the Projects & Programmes page.