Harbour Cafe

A visit to a fledgling Kob Farm just outside East London really opened my eyes to what can be done in this sector to produce top quality fish with minimal impact on the environment.  Imagine a Fish Farm that uses it waste (sludge from water purification & algae from water cleansing) to produce bio fuel to power the farm & feed for freshwater species which in turn are used in the production of organic pellets to feed the Kob!  How about the fact that no water is returned loaded with pollutants to the sea – instead it is purified, oxygenated, topped up with rain water (to make up for loss due to evapouration – remember the salts stay behind) and used agian in a near closed system.  Add to this the funds generated fund an organic farming system that produces it’s own bio gas for cooking and settling ponds for nutrient rich compost for the fresh produce to grow in!  The alien Black Wattle is used in a wood burning furnace to heat the water for the Kob Farm and the staff who live on site!  This and many more innovative ideas are beginning to take shape on this unique patch of defiance to the notion that fish farming is detrimental to the environment.  It might not be perfect but it is one of the best I have seen yet and proves that there is a surge towards responsible production of fresh food!

The Local Commercial Linefisherman is a fast vanishing species. His battle to keep his operation afloat is never-ending and he requires the support of the region in which he operates. To often we simply buy fish without considering where it comes from or how it was caught. To support local industry is important but also to know who is catching your fish and with what impact is an important ecological consideration. Why not seek out the local offering before picking up a box of imported seafood? Find out what is specific to the area you are in and get to know the way in which it is harvested – support those who support sound ecological practices. The local Fish & Chip shop is great because it is local – make sure his produce is as well.