Waste Disposal by Fish Farm Operators

Ms Faizah Jamal asked the Minister for National Development (a) what plans does AVA have to closely monitor and penalise errant fish farm operators from dumping their trash and waste on Pulau Ubin; and (b) when will AVA put in place an effective system of door-to-door trash collection and responsible disposal for such operators.

There are many different sources of trash and waste that are washed upon our northern shores and Pulau Ubin, especially when there are many vessels plying the Straits of Johor.

Under AVA's fish licence, fish farmers have to comply with the licensing condition to properly dispose the waste generated from their operations. Waste collection points are available at the Lim Chu Kang jetty and at Changi Creek in the western and eastern straits respectively. Farmers can also send their trash to Senoko Fishery Port.

AVA had explored the feasibility of door-to-door waste collection services for fish farmers, but the costs were found to be too high for the farmers. To facilitate proper waste disposal for eastern fish farmers, a new jetty will be built at Lorong Halus by early 2014 which will have a waste collection centre.

AVA carries out routine inspections, including night raids, to monitor the fish farms and will take enforcement actions against farms caught illegally dumping their trash into the waters or on Pulau Ubin. Its marine inspectors work closely with the Police Coast Guard to keep a look-out for fish farmers discarding waste into the sea. AVA also conducts regular briefings to remind fish farmers to maintain proper waste management.

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