Abstract

Aquaculture is a knowledge- and technology-driven sector that requires a diversity  of skills. Such skills are often demonstrated by professionals, including those of  veterinarians, biologists, oceanographers, chemists, economists, managers, engineers,  artisans, environmentalists and researchers. Since the sector is still fairly small in  South Africa, a limited number of institutions provide aquaculture training and their  primary focus is on tertiary education. Extension support is also limited in terms of  state extension officers, veterinarians and researchers (government does not have  the capacity to service the entire sector) and there is little awareness of aquaculture  farming as a career and education option.  In 2017, a thorough skills inventory and needs analysis of the sector was conducted,  led by the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) and the current  Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).1 These research  efforts were aimed at identifying the shortfalls and future needs in terms of skills and  education and training, as well as determining the current age representation and  race participation in the industry. Data collection was conducted using interviews  and focus groups.  The study identified scarce skills and existing gaps, such as supervisory and  management skills for middle and senior managers in the sector. Increased  awareness of learnerships and funding opportunities through the Sector Education  Training Authority (SETA) was flagged.