Speaker

About the speaker: 

Lizeth has been working in the South African Aquaculture Industry for nearly 30 years. Since 2010, she has been running her own company, Sound Interaxions. The services that she provides to the industry are based on the significant developmentally orientated experience that she has gained over the years, and include 

(a) Aquaculture development, advisory and consulting services 

(b) Aquaculture training services. 

She also serves as the Project Manager for the South African Kelp Farming Project on behalf of the Bivalve Shellfish Farmer’s Association of South Africa (BSASA).

Company info:

The Bivalve Shellfish Farmers' Association of South Africa (BSASA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of bivalve shellfish farmers in South Africa. It serves as the formal voice for this sector, which primarily involves farming mussels and oysters. It is also the delivery partner responsible for the implementation of the multi-stakeholder Kelp Farming Project that is funded by the UK International Development through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and supported by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

Presentation:

The South African Kelp Farming Project (SA KFP) was commissioned in recognition of the opportunity to develop a financially and environmentally sustainable kelp farming industry in South Africa. Following the 3 month pre-feasibility study (Phase 1) during 2021-2022 to assess the potential for kelp cultivation, the Phase 2 feasibility study commenced in 2022-2023 with the aim to investigate hatchery technologies, conduct grow-out trials, assess kelp quality for food safety and certification, monitor environmental conditions, explore value chain and employment opportunities and ultimately making initial conclusions on the feasibility of kelp farming in South Africa. With the project drawing to a close in March 2025, they are now seeking funding support to continue to a Phase 3 demonstration pilot project.