Understanding the economics of aquaponics
Since 2010, aquaponics has evolved into a refined farming method where fish and plants thrive in a closed system. This article explores the technology, commercial viability, and environmental benefits.
Fish farming: a goldfish or red herring?
Leslie Ter Morshuizen explains the potential for aquaculture in South Africa.
Seawater-farmed tilapia
In this article, the second in a two-part series, Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha show how seawater-farmed Mozambique tilapia can provide cheaper protein than broilers or other livestock.
Mozambique tilapia: big plans for a small fish
Fish is a healthy source of protein, but is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans. Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha look at why marine tilapia may be the perfect alternative to other white fish.
Tilapia farming: Untapped SA market holds opportunity for growth
David Fincham has more than 30 years’ experience in aquaculture and is one of South Africa’s foremost tilapia specialists. Through his business in Muldersdrift near Johannesburg, he has supplied 450 fish farming production units to farmers in Africa.
A word of warning for start-up producers
Prospective fish producers should consider all the hurdles that stand in the way of making a profit.
Southeast Asia’s formula for top ornamental fish
To produce quality ornamental fish, a breeder must establish a habitat that is as natural as possible, with food sources such micro-algae and insect larvae.
How to safeguard your fish against the cold
A severe drop in water temperature can kill tilapia fish stock in an aquaculture system, and a proper heating system is the only solution.
West Coast abalone farm doubles in size, thanks to demand
Today, there are about a dozen abalone farms along the coastline between Port Nolloth and
East London. One of the first to be established was Jacobsbaai Sea Products in the West Coast hamlet of Jacobsbaai. In the 24 years since it started farming abalone, the farm has produced an ever-greater number of these delicacies, and now exports millions annually.
A tilapia model that SA should be emulating
Land ownership of the supply chain has enabled a number of countries to produce thousands of tons of tilapia annually. There is little reason why this cannot take place in South Africa.
How to distinguish similar-looking juvenile cichlids
Approximately 15 cichlid species occur in South Africa. To the untrained eye, several appear confusingly alike, especially as juveniles. So make sure you get the right tilapia species for your aquaculture enterprise!
Fish production: simplicity or sophistication?
A recirculating system and a pond farm are at opposite ends of the aquaculture spectrum. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
