OVERVIEW Oceans economy
OVERVIEW Oceans economy A Maritime Chamber of Commerce has been established. Scientists at Nelson Mandela University are part of a project to create a digital twin of the ocean so that accurate predictions can be made about the future. Professor Mike Roberts and his team have deployed oceanographic instruments to collect data on the ocean dynamics of the Mozambique Channel. This includes collecting information on currents, temperature, ocean productivity, habitats, fish and human populations which will help to predict what the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) will look like from now until 2100. Prof Roberts heads the UK-SA Bilateral Research Chair in Ocean Science and Marine Food Security. This is jointly hosted by Nelson Mandela University in South Africa and the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. Previous research found that regime shifts in the Agulhas Bank ecosystem, possibly as result of climate change, resulted in the squid fishery collapsing in the Eastern Cape in 2001 and 2013. Over 2 400 squid fishermen lost their livelihoods, with about 35 000 family dependants being affected. His team is developing a policy brief that they aim to put on the 2023 agenda of the United Nations World Food Security Committee. This is to raise the issue of marine food security. The Maritime Business Chamber (MBC) has been established in the Eastern Cape, with its headquarters overlooking the Port Elizabeth harbour. It aims to address the imbalances in the maritime industry by representing the interests of all local businesses. It is aligned with strategic programmes such as Operation Phakisa and the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP) and creates opportunities for SMMEs. Eastern Cape economic planners are getting advice from Egypt on how to scale up aquaculture. The North African country, which is sharing technical and funding ideas with the Eastern Cape, produces 1.6-million tons of product in its aquaculture industry whereas South Africa’ s total is currently less than 10 000 tons. The focus of an expanded aquaculture sector is at Mbashe, Coega Special Economic Zone and the East London IDZ. The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has set out a 440-ha zone inside the Coega SEZ adjacent to the deepwater Port of Ngqura. ONLINE RESOURCES Maritime Business Chamber: www.maritimechamber.co.za Ocean Sciences Campus (NMU): https://oceansciences.mandela.ac.za South African International Maritime Institute: www.saimi.co.za SECTOR INSIGHT Nelson Mandela University is mapping the ocean. Professor Mike Roberts, NMU. The Coega SEZ is served by two ports, is on the N2 highway and close to the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, an important consideration for the export of live products. Other potential Oceans Economy sectors such as maritime repair and maintenance and oil and gas exploration have great potential. An Oceans Economy Master Plan has been created and so far, 73 co-operatives have been awarded 15-year licences by the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). ■ EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2023/24 34
FOCUS Maritime Business Chamber South Africa’s first Maritime Business Chamber aims for inclusivity in the growing Oceans Economy. From left to right: Lungisa January (Operations Executive), Unathi Sonti (Executive Chairperson), Nondumiso Mfenyana (Executive Secretary), Audrick Kramer (Deputy Executive Secretary), Xhanti Lamani (Deputy Executive Chairperson). The Maritime Business Chamber (MBC) is a registered Non-Profit Company (NPC) with the aim to address the imbalances and opportunities in the South African Maritime Industry representing the interests of all local businesses currently and wishing to participate in the sector. The Chamber has positioned itself as the voice of the Maritime Industry by providing business support, promoting sustainable jobs, skills development and lobbying for business opportunities. The Chamber is strategically aligned with the Operation Phakisa, Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP), South Africa’s Oceans Economy Master Plan and the IMO Maritime Policy for sustainable maritime. The MBC is determined to align itself with the Maritime global commitments for the development of competent and sustainable Maritime Enterprises. Mission To be a leading partner in offering Maritime services that promote socio-economic growth and Maritime industry capacity building. Membership Membership of the MBC is open to registered businesses or institutions willing to be part of an effort to grow participation in the Maritime Industry. Benefits include: • Promote industry access & sustainable partnerships • Provide industry research • Advocates for all sectors of Maritime • Information from industry advisory • Provide expert advise & expertise • Advance relations & align sustainable programmes with relevant stakeholders The Chamber’s obligation to the membership remains at lobbying and committed to the sector and advocacy for a more inclusive and empowered Maritime Industry, ie • Maritime Business Services • Lobbying and advocate on behalf of its constituents. CONTACT DETAILS Address: Maritime Chamber House 211, Walmer Boulevard, South End, Gqeberha 6001 Tel: +27 (0) 41 587 5855 Email: adminoffice@maritimechamber.co.za Website: www.maritimechamber.co.za
