Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on algal blooms impacting fish farmers
Apr 13, 2015
Mr Yee Jenn Jong: To ask the Minister for National Development
(a) whether AVA's real-time monitoring and early warning systems are effective in alerting fish farmers ahead of time of the occurrence of harmful algal blooms to prevent massive fish kills;
(b) whether there is a need to relocate fish farms away from areas prone to algal blooms; and
(c) whether persistent algal blooms have made it difficult for Singapore to achieve its target of 15% of fish supply to be from local sources.
Answer:
AVA monitors a few indicators of water quality, such as plankton count and dissolved oxygen, at our coastal fish farming areas. This allows AVA to give farmers early warning when adverse conditions are detected, so that they can take the necessary precautionary measures.
AVA was able to alert the fish farmers of the impending plankton bloom well ahead of time. For example in the recent incident, AVA first alerted fish farmers to adverse weather conditions on 30 Jan, and advised them to monitor their fish stocks. On 16 and 17 Feb, as soon as AVA detected elevated plankton levels at the East Johor Straits (EJS), they alerted the fish farmers and advised them to deploy canvas bags or transfer their fish stock to unaffected areas. Those who heeded AVA’s advice averted the worst of the fish kills.
We are studying the causes of plankton blooms in the Johor Straits more comprehensively, to give us a better sense of whether the plankton blooms are simply ad-hoc events or regular occurrences. It is premature to determine whether there is a need for fish farmers to relocate away from the Johor Straits, and whether plankton blooms will significantly hinder us from reaching our 15% local fish production target.
In the meantime, farmers should take steps to minimise the impact should another plankton bloom occur. AVA will help farmers to develop contingency plans. Fish farmers must also modernise their farming methods so that they are better protected. They can tap on AVA’s Agriculture Productivity Fund to enhance their resilience. By working hand in hand, we will be able to minimise the impact of plankton blooms.