The Seaweed People
Taurus Cape Kelp is the holder of a long-term harvesting right as issued by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Through the use of this right Taurus Cape Kelp sustainably harvests seaweed for commercial use.
Our company collects and harvests brown seaweed/kelp and red algae in demarcated areas along the coastline of Gansbaai and the East coast of South Africa.
Red algae and kelp are used for many purposes, across various industries, including farming and the food industry.
Taurus is committed to helping the local community, through job creation as well as financial support of several local schools and initiatives.
Taurus Cape Kelp
Sustainability
Sustainable
We are committed to sustainability and ensure that all our practices are ecologically friendly.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF) monitor our harvesting closely to ensure that there are no negative environmental impacts.
Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness
There are 23 concession areas throughout South Africa that are demarcated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), for specific time frames and Taurus have two concession areas for various species of kelp and red algae.
DAFF regulations specify how to harvest kelp sustainably e.g. that you may only cut the fronds (leaves) about 25cm from where they join the primary blade to ensure re-growth.
As Taurus relies on the environment for our livelihood, we have a vested interest in making sure that the local kelp and red algae are sustainably harvested. We rotate harvesting areas to allow enough time for the seaweed to recuperate. Beachcast kelp that is collected along the shore is not all removed to ensure that enough kelp is left behind for other organisms to feed on.
DAFF conducts monthly reviews, checking the quantity of each species harvested.
