After Newater: Fishes.
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Large—scale commercial fish farming expected to ease reliance on imports
SINGAPORE: Singapore on Thursday morning welcomed the first batch of seabass that was developed by the Agri—Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and then grown commercially.
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AVA said large—scale farming of tropical food fish in Singapore and regional waters is now commercially viable, and it hoped Singaporeans can soon expect a constant fish supply at stable prices.
The young of the fish had been hatched using special aquaculture technology, developed by the AVAÂ’s Marine Aquaculture Centre. The fry were then sold to Marine Harvest, a commercial fish farm that operates in waters off Riau Islands.
When fully matured, the harvested seabass are expected to help ease Singapore’s reliance on wild—caught fish from overseas.
"We hope to maintain a ready supply through our efforts, thereÂ’ll be a ready supply of affordable, safe, wholesome fish for our markets," said Lim Huan Sein, head of AVAÂ’s Marine Aquaculture Centre.
It is estimated that Singaporeans consume about 1,500 tonnes of seabass each month.
AVA expected to harvest between 50 and 100 tonnes of the fish through this pilot project, and it also hoped to work with other fish farms on similar projects.
Its partner Marine Harvest said this is the first time it is supplying directly to the Singapore market.
"The idea is basically that we will focus on the production cost as opposed to selling it at a very high price. The idea is to make it reasonable," said Eric Tan, managing director of Marine Harvest.
Marine Harvest added that it is planning to collaborate with the AVA on the farming of other tropical fish species such as red snapper and golden pomfret. — CNA/ac
Whether or not fish prices become more stable in the future remains to be seen. Nevertheless, a good move. -
Well hope it does but i don't think so though.
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Even the price not drop,at least more supply.
Short of live sea foods in Spore,a coastal country ,is a joke!! -
Wonder if it taste any difference......
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With global warming and over fishing, the future supply of seafood is going to be scares and expensive.
again, we have made the right decision in the right direction to build a sustainable future...
World class si boh??
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Local marine harvesting has been around for the last 10-15 years. We have been actively pursuing offshore fisheries and nurseries to meet our own demands as well as supplement the imports from the South China Sea.
The next logical step is to upscale this market. It has been underrated for too long.