Written answer by MND on implementing blanket ban on use of gill nets for fishing including those used below depths of two kilometres

Feb 22, 2023

Question No: 2715

Question by: Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has studied the possibility of implementing a blanket ban on the use of gill nets for fishing including those used below depths of two kilometres; (b) if so, what are the results of the study; and (c) if not, whether the Ministry will consider conducting such a study.

Answer:

NParks encourages responsible fishing in the waters around Singapore. This includes the proper use of fishing gear, for example, by avoiding their use in shallow areas such as intertidal flats and coral reefs. Today, the removal of biodiversity by any means, including fishing and the use of nets, lines or traps to do so, is already prohibited at certain areas managed by NParks, such as the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.

2        Beyond these areas, NParks also closely monitors the state of marine biodiversity in collaboration with stakeholders such as academics and interest groups, and will continue to study whether further measures are needed to better protect biodiversity in our waters.