The Northern Cape Kelp Harvesting and Collection Project

The Northern Cape Kelp Harvesting and Collection Project is one of the economically sustainable projects initiated by the Fishing and Mariculture Development Association – the Namaqualand Coastline development agency of the Northern Cape Government.

The project has an immediate aim of assisting the unemployed, historically disadvantaged people from Port Nolloth and Hondeklip Bay to enter the labour market.  Historically, the South African seaweed industry has been based on beach-cast kelp and the harvesting of fresh kelp for the extraction of a plant-growth stimulant.  In the last decade, the harvesting of fresh kelp for abalone (perlemoen)feed has become an important part of the local seaweed industry.  It is crucial, however, that this harvesting is sustainable.  A company, Rekaofela Kelp, was formed to manage the kelp harvesting process in the Port Nolloth area.  The company is worker-owned, and all the shareholders come from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, often with a history of the exploitation of marine resources. 

At present the company accomplishes the beach-collection of the kelp, the drying process, the milling and the packaging of the kelp.  Long-term plans for the company include the creation of a kelp organic fertiliser manufacturing plant.  Tourists are welcome to visit the facility and see the kelp harvesting in action.