Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on impact of algae blooms and oil spill on fish farmers

Feb 28, 2017

Mr Leon Perera: To ask the Minister for National Development 

(a) what impact did algae blooms and the recent oil spill have on AVA's target for locally farmed fish to comprise 15% of local fish consumption; 

(b) what measures are taken to help coastal fish farmers cope with the aftermath of these events; and 

(c) what measures are taken to help fish farmers change their production methods so that they are more efficient and less susceptible to algae blooms and oil spills.

Answer:

Plankton blooms and the recent oil spill have impacted some local fish farmers.  However, these events have not detracted from our push to achieve 15% local production. Local fish production increased from 4,205 tonnes in 2014 (or 8% of local consumption) to 4,851 tonnes in 2016 (or 10% of local consumption). Having said that, I would add that AVA is currently reviewing the longer term targets for local food production, and working with industry and various stakeholders to develop concepts towards transforming the local farming industry.
 

The Government assisted the affected farms following these plankton bloom and oil spill incidents. After the plankton blooms in 2014 and 2015, AVA extended subsidies to help affected farms to restock their fish.  During the recent oil spill this year, AVA deployed oil absorbent pads and canvas to protect our farms. AVA is now assisting affected farmers with their claims against the ship’s insurer.  

AVA has put in place several measures to help our farmers manage longer term environmental risks.  First, AVA has developed a real-time online water quality monitoring system that our farmers can access through their mobile phones. This helps them monitor water quality information like plankton counts and dissolved oxygen.  AVA also provides SMS alerts to farmers when adverse conditions are detected so that precautionary measures can be taken.

Second, AVA continues to assist farmers in tailoring individual contingency plans.  To-date, almost 50 farms have worked with AVA to develop customised contingency plans to mitigate adverse conditions. 
 
Third, AVA has used the Co-Innovation Partnership Programme to co-fund the development and adoption of new farming technologies like closed containment aquaculture systems (CCAS).  These technologies reduce the vulnerability of fish stocks to environmental risks.  Several farms have already adopted these systems and AVA continues to share these technologies with the rest of the industry through briefings and workshops.