STUDIES HAVE shown that the development of abalone farming is viable in the Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has completed the environmental impact assessment and public participation process for the farming of abalone near Qolora. According to Don Maclean, general manager of corporate investments and properties, the only obstacle to securing a permit and starting construction on a R22-million grow-out farm is the finalisation of the tenure of the land on which the farm will be established. According to Maclean, it is estimated that demand for abalone by the East outstrips supply by about five times. The studies showed that the nutrient-rich waters off the Wild Coast are ideal for abalone production. Sea water will be pumped through land-based growing tans. The local community will have a 25 per cent stake in the farm, which will provide 85 permanent jobs.