In 1996 the Northern Cape Provincial Government had already identified shore-based mariculture as an appropriate economic activity on its coast. In fact, it appeared as if the Northern Cape coast may have the best conditions for mariculture in the country.

In 1999 the Fishing and Mariculture Development Agency (FAMDA) was established to investigate the viability of establishing a mariculture industry on the coast. In due course FAMDA identified Port Nolloth as the most suitable location fo such an industry and the concept of a Mariculture Industrial Park was born.

The purpose of such a mariculture park is to provide the infrastructure for the cultivation of abalone, oyster and turbot. There is a high international demand for all these species. Value-added kelp based products will also be developed.

The establishment of the Mariculture Park was approved and declared an anchor project for the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy and on 3 February 2006 this R100 million project was officially launched in Port Nolloth. It is concrete proof of the Provincial Government’s commitment to grow and develop Port Nolloth.

FAMDA is currently also working towards the regeneration of the fishing industry in Port Nolloth. Eight fishing permits have been allocated and we can expect large scale fishing to resume from Port Nolloth harbour.

A healthy property market is always underpinned by a sound economy and in Port Nolloth you can see the convergence of government economic policy and the vision of KaiKai.