MARKETING AND EMPLOYMENT

Markets

Marine cultured products such as Abalone and Oysters are internationally sold. Abalone meat is considered a delicacy in Latin America (especially Chile ), South East Asia and East Asia (especially China , Japan and Korea ). These species reach a market size of 200 to 300 g within three to four years. While the successful oyster industry currently sells locally, to South Africa and to Asian markets (especially China and Singapore ). For freshwater fish products, there no international markets yet; hence they are currently being produced for domestic markets.

Employment

Employment in the Aquaculture sector has increased from 422 in 2003, to 1,640 people in 2009 in all thirteen regions of the country. These include Government, private sector, casuals and community workers. Due to the growth of the aquaculture industry, employment is expected to increase exponentially in relation to this growth.