How South Africa's oceans can boost GDP and create jobs

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, has emphasized the substantial economic potential of South Africa's oceans. 

He projects that sustainable management could add billions to the GDP and generate hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“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,” Minister George said.

He explained that the Oceans Economy Master Plan projects contributions of R166 billion to GDP and more than 600 000 jobs by 2035. Aquaculture, fisheries, coastal tourism, and marine conservation are key to this vision, especially for coastal provinces with high unemployment.

George added that Operation Phakisa has already pushed aquaculture forward, which now accounts for most of marine sector activity and employment. 

Over the past decade, the sector has attracted more than R4 billion in investment, with government contributions drawing in significant private capital.

His department indicated that Marine Protected Areas are boosting coastal tourism, from diving to whale watching, while ensuring biodiversity is safeguarded. Marine Spatial Planning is balancing economic activity with ecological care by zoning ocean use for maximum benefit.

Fishing harbours are being revitalised through the Fishing for Freedom campaign, with new jobs already being created in fish processing, boatbuilding, and tourism. The Department is also advancing an inland fisheries policy to unlock food security and rural enterprise opportunities.

“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 stated.

He also underlined that the ocean economy will only succeed with good governance, innovation, and community inclusion.

“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,” Minister George concluded.

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