Unlocking the potential of South Africa's oceans for economic growth

The ocean’s vast expanse has always been a beacon of potential, but South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, is urging the nation to see it as a goldmine for economic growth. With a vision outlined in the Oceans Economy Master Plan, George believes that sustainably managed oceans can contribute R166 billion to the country’s GDP and generate more than 600 000 jobs by 2035, particularly benefiting coastal provinces struggling with high unemployment rates.

“Our oceans are a national treasure. If we use them wisely, they will feed families, power industries, and provide work for generations. If we waste them, we waste our future,” George said, emphasising the responsibility that comes with this invaluable resource.

Central to this vision is a multipronged approach that highlights key sectors: aquaculture, fisheries, coastal tourism, and marine conservation.

The implementation of Operation Phakisa — a government initiative designed to fast-track aquaculture — has significantly bolstered marine sector activity, positioning aquaculture as a driving force in both employment and investment, attracting over R4 billion in the past decade alone.

As government support continues to draw private investment, the minister is optimistic about the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in fostering coastal tourism. From exhilarating diving experiences to serene whale watching, MPAs are not only enhancing visitor numbers but also safeguarding vital biodiversity for future generations.

One initiative is the Fishing for Freedom campaign, which aims to revitalise fishing harbours, thereby creating new job opportunities in fish processing, boatbuilding, and eco-tourism ventures. The department is also poised to introduce an inland fisheries policy that targets food security and empowers rural enterprises, advancing the narrative that the ocean economy reaches far beyond the coastline.

“Our aquaculture facilities, our harbours, and our Marine Protected Areas are all proof that the ocean is not only heritage, it is also industry, tourism, and growth,” George added, reinforcing the interconnectedness of these sectors.

He further elaborated on the need for strong governance and innovative practices to realise this ocean economy. “With the right management, our oceans are South Africa’s blue gold. They are a renewable source of jobs, revenue, and resilience. We are committed to unlocking this wealth for the benefit of all South Africans,” George said.