South Africa Launches Industrial-Scale Shrimp Farming Project

South Africa launches industrial-scale shrimp farming project - SOUTH AFRICA - A pilot project farming giant shrimps for export is planned for the Coega industrial development zone in South Africa. The project could draw ZAR3.6 billion (US$585 million) in investments over six years and create direct employment for 4,500 people.

The project was launched by SeaArk Africa--a joint venture between SeaArk Holdings Incorporated of the United States and the Bosasa Group of Companies of South Africa. This would be its first development.

The company aims to develop marine aquaculture farming facilities in Africa and the Middle East. An environmental impact assessment would be conducted for the growing of Penaeaus vannamei, or white prawns. The farm would be located at a 1,100 hectare site and the company would be building a proprietary indoor bio-secure production facility.

SeaArk breeds its own brood stock at its hatchery in the Bahamas. Fully-grown shrimps would be harvested, cleaned and processed for export to the US and markets in the East.

Source: eFeedLink - 11th April 2006