Bridging the gap: Metadata analysis and infrastructure evaluation in aquaculture research and training facilities

Title : Bridging the gap: Metadata analysis and infrastructure evaluation in aquaculture research and training facilities

Abstract:

Aquaculture education, research and training facilities play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, advancing knowledge, and supporting industry growth. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to evaluating and improving Aquaculture infrastructure by amalgamating findings from the 2018 Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) audit of Agricultural tertiary institutions with contemporary analysis methods. The methodology integrates desk-top assessments and on-site audits to identify existing research institutions with Aquaculture facilities, evaluate the status of their resources and pinpoint areas for enhancement. The study reviewed the DFFE audit to ensure alignment and updates to existing knowledge and structures in South Africa. A baseline desktop analysis was conducted to identify research institutions with Aquaculture facilities, followed by compiling a detailed inventory of available Aquaculture resources including location and contact information. Subsequently, a rigorous infrastructure audit was undertaken, employing a checklist to assess the type and condition of the facilities at each institution identified. Furthermore, the research identified gaps and opportunities within existing Aquaculture infrastructure and areas of collaborations to maximise utilisation of available resources. Institutions lacking requisite facilities were identified, while stakeholder engagement was facilitated to explore collaboration opportunities between institutions and the Aquaculture industry at large. A narrative for an "Ideal" facility was developed, encompassing various dimensions including infrastructure availability, curriculum, and research networks. A scorecard, derived from this ideal state, is utilized to rank existing facilities and determine necessary resource allocations for improvement. The paper concludes by proposing a strategy to bridge the gap between actual and ideal states of Aquaculture infrastructure available in the South African institutions. This strategy outlines funding, resource, and infrastructure requirements, alongside timelines for implementation. The study systematically evaluated existing facilities and creating alignment toward enhancement. This research aimed to catalyse the development of robust Aquaculture research and training infrastructure, thereby fostering innovation and sustainable industry growth.

Biography:

Nondumiso previously worked as Manager: Centre for Fishing at South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) where she was responsible for the management in ensuring safety of commercial Fishing industry at sea and Maritime Industry Development programmes in South Africa. She served in several stakeholder platforms in ensuring a sustainable Maritime industry. She served as chairperson of the National Fishing Industry (NFF), member of the Operation Phakisa: Marine Transport Manufacturing task team for the initiative 14.5 – Fishing Vessel Recapitalisation. She served in the Nelson Mandela Bay Maritime Cluster and as secretariat of the Bunkering Stakeholder Forum. Nondumiso Mfenyana is currently in a short-term contract at the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) responsible for the Operation Phakisa programmes on Skills, Education and Training for Oceans Economy development. This position enables her to implement skills development programmes across all the key focus areas, which made her to sit on several Maritime forums. Nondumiso also serve an Executive Secretary General member of the Maritime Business Chamber (MBC), an organisation that support SME’s in the Maritime Industry.
Nondumiso started her career with the National Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) as an Oceanographic Research Scientist. She was later promoted to Deputy Director: Fisheries Resource Manager. One of the highlights in her profession is being nominated one of the Delegated Authorities by the then Minister of Fisheries, for the 2005/2006 Long Term Fishing Rights Allocation Process. During her tenure at DFFE she served and chaired some of the Fishing Industry Association working groups, including Aquaculture.
She is an Environmental Scientist by profession; she accomplished her undergraduate and honors qualifications from the University of the Western Cape. Furthermore, she obtained her Master of Philosophy in Fisheries Management at the University of Bergen, in Norway. Her Masters research covered Aquaculture technology transfer. Furthermore, she completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Rhodes University and currently studying towards her PhD with the Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
Nondumiso carry leadership qualities, assertive, proactive, highly motivated and result orientated person, who has a sense of urgency to get things done, with high degree of integrity and perseverance, and the ability to motivate others and transfer skills.