Written Answer by MND on sampling and DNA analysis for non-compliant shark's fin shipments

Feb 7, 2023

Question by: Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang

To ask the Minister for National Development what percentage of shark's fin shipments undergo sampling and DNA analysis to ensure that there are no Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I species of sharks in the shipment.

Answer:

Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), wildlife species are listed under three appendices, depending on how threatened or endangered the species are. Appendix I species are threatened with extinction, but can be traded under exceptional circumstances. For example, CITES allows Appendix I specimens to be traded for non-commercial purposes, such as for scientific research.

2        Most CITES-listed shark species are in Appendix II, where their survival may be threatened if trade is not regulated. While commercial trade of such species is allowed, all CITES species brought into Singapore must be accompanied by CITES permits in accordance with CITES rules and regulations.

3        NParks conducts regular inspections on importers, relies on tip-offs from other regulatory agencies and international partners, and carries out market surveillance, to identify shark’s fin shipments that may not have the necessary CITES permits. Accordingly, our inspection process goes beyond a simple sampling approach. To confirm if these shipments contain CITES-listed species, frontline officers use an Artificial Intelligence-based mobile application, known as the Fin Finder, to help them visually identify shark species quickly and accurately. Further DNA testing is then conducted on suspicious shipments at NParks’ Centre for Wildlife Forensics.