The Fish Farm protest

Adventure Swims ZA were the organizers of a successful protest against the fish farm over the weekend.

Andrew Stewart gives us an overview of the day:
"Saturday’s event surpassed our expectation by a long way and we estimate that between walkers, swimmers and the rest of the sea faring craft that there were between 2000 and 3000 people. The message was quite clear as a huge amount of people went to the trouble of making placards voicing concerns.

The media coverage was also very good with interviews on both Algoa FM and Kingfisher radio, The Herald covered it both before the weekend and after, and there was a live interview with ENCA and 3 SABC interviews.

Invites went out to the Municipality, The Business Chamber and Anchor Environmental Service, the Company tasked by DAFF to head up the viability process, but none of them sent representatives. In their absence, the memorandum was handed over to the head of WESSA (Wildlife and Environmental Society of SA).

Gary Koekemoer from WESSA who is the go-to guy regarding the fish farm reports that DAFF (Dep of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry), the proponents of the fish farm are clearly a bit rattled by the support and coverage the protest received. Whether or not this will result in them having a re-think on matters remains to be seen.

Gary reckons that could be a long fight, similar to the nuclear (Thyspunt)  objection. The best approach is to keep finding ways to stall the process. DAFF still have not launched the plan, but as they have appointed Anchor Environmental Service to conduct an assessment it shows their intent. Gary, as part of WESSA, will be engaging with groups like the Business Chamber and our Metro to get them on board and they also work with other environmental groups to plan and strategize.

A new round of public participation is expected to be opened soon, so everyone is encouraged to make their objections known when the opportunity arises."

Andrew has made some No Fish Farm Here stickers and these are available at the Blu Smooth office (152 Main Road, Walmer )

Add your name to the petition here:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/community_petitions/DAFF__No_to_Fish_Farms_in_Algoa_Bay_Yes_to_rehabilitating_the_Swartkops_Estuary

© Dirk Erasmus

© Dirk Erasmus

© Dirk Erasmus

© Dean Biddulph

© Arinda Pritchard