The potential for kelp (order Laminariales) aquaculture in South Africa: a biological review

The Benguela upwelling region on the west coast of South Africa/Namibia has the only major kelp forests on the African continent. South Africa has four species of laminarian kelps; Ecklonia maxima, Laminaria pallida dominate kelp forests in the west coast Benguela upwelling system, with Macrocystis pyrifera occurring rarely in this region and Ecklonia radiata largely confined to the more nutrient-poor south and east coasts. Growth studies on these species have been limited to laboratory experiments and very few initial, small-scale coastal studies. As in other Atlantic regions, there is growing interest in the potential for kelp aquaculture in Southern Africa, and recent pilot initiatives. A comprehensive summary of available literature on South African kelps, their biology and ecology, distribution and growth parameters, is presented, and the potential for kelp aquaculture discussed in relation to recent developments elsewhere on Atlantic and Eastern Pacific coastlines. Recommendations are made with respect to the choice of potential species and sites.