The development of the Algoa Bay fish farm in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape has been put on hold and will be referred back to the Department of Environmental Affairs for consideration, says the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, the Cape Times has reported. 

This comes after 134 notices of intention to appeal were submitted to the Minister and an online petition against the proposed development at its approved location, which generated approximately 17 000 signatures.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has welcomed the decision to put the fish farm development on hold. CEO, Mandlakazi Skefile, said: “We wish to reiterate that, whilst we understand the value and need for the fish farm in the future with regard to job creation, aquaculture projects as well as diminishing resources, the concern remained that the current location would have immediate and potentially disastrous negative impact on the tourism sector.

“Should the fish farm, however, find suitable alternative locations – which we have been advised are available – the tourism industry and fish farm could co-exist in the destination, creating greater opportunities and income.”

Stakeholders previously expressed concern that a proposed fish farm, located roughly 2.5km from the beachfront and stretching across beaches, including Hobie Beach and Pollock Beach, could be detrimental to tourism to the province, potentially polluting the area and spoiling visual beauty of the seafront.

DAFF will explore alternative sites, such as the area known as Algoa 5, as the preferred location for the project.