Clutter from abandoned fish farms raises environmental and navigational concerns.
Abandoned fish farm structures, including wooden planks, barges, and even a boat, have accumulated along the shoreline of Pulau Ketam near Pulau Ubin. During an October visit, large debris was also observed in the island’s forested areas and submerged structures became visible at low tide.
Ongoing Cleanup Efforts
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) confirmed it is addressing the situation. Plans are underway to dismantle and dispose of the debris by December, weather permitting. SFA is collaborating with coastal farms to ensure their structures are secure, preventing further clutter.
Role of Sea Angel Marine
Phillip Lim of Sea Angel Marine, a fish farm operator, has played a key role in mitigating navigational hazards by towing drifting structures to Pulau Ketam. “This area has been used for decades to dismantle and salvage farm structures,” said Lim, adding that materials like wood are often recycled.
Rising Concerns
Environmentalists and conservation groups have expressed concerns about the impact of debris on marine biodiversity. Materials left for prolonged periods can degrade and leach harmful substances into the ecosystem.
Marine conservationist Sue Ye highlighted the need for professional waste removal services to handle the scale of the clutter effectively. This sentiment was echoed by Ivan Francis Danakody of Singapore Salvage Engineers, who noted the high costs of clearing such debris, ranging from $60,000 to $70,000 per structure.
Broader Implications
The clutter has been exacerbated by the decline in fish farms in the East Johor Strait, falling from 98 in 2023 to 74 in October 2024. While efforts are underway, stakeholders emphasize the need for sustainable waste management practices to prevent such issues from recurring.
