THE Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has announced that two parcels of sea space – to be used for fish farming – will be put up for sale by public tender that begins on Thursday (Jan 18).

The parcels each have an area of around five hectares or roughly 51,000 square metres. Located in the southeastern waters off Pulau Bukom, they can be used for the farming of fin fish or crustaceans.

The lease term is 20 years with the option of a 10-year extension. Tenderers may bid for one, or both, parcels, with the tender closing at 12 pm on Apr 11, 2024.

The planned farms will be part of Singapore’s efforts to increase its food production and strengthen its food security.

Wong Sheau Fong, SFA’s senior director for its food infrastructure development and management division, said: “Our aquaculture sector contributes significantly to our ‘30 by 30’ vision, which is to build the agri-food industry’s capability and capacity to sustainably produce 30 per cent of Singapore’s nutritional needs by 2030.”

Fish farms in the tendered space must use a new system of fish farming called closed containment aquaculture.

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According to SFA’s website, under such a system, “fishes are cultured in a controlled environment that isolates and protects them from external aquatic factors”. They also pollute less as they do not release waste into the sea.

Existing open-net cage farming systems are vulnerable to environmental threats, including pollution, biological agents and climate change.

“Given our limited sea space for farming, farms will need to leverage on technology, innovation to increase productivity, and adopt sustainable practices to protect themselves against adverse environmental conditions brought about by climate change,” said Wong.

An early example of closed containment aquaculture was the Eco-Ark pilot project set up in 2019. Located off the shore of Pulau Ubin, it is said to be able to produce 20 times as many fish as an open-net farm.

According to environmental studies conducted by SFA, each parcel’s maximum allowable production is 1,732.5 tonnes per year, or 3,465 tonnes in total. In 2022, Singapore’s fish farms produced a total of 4,400 tonnes of seafood.

“Every proposal will be assessed on its production capability, track record, relevant farming experience and qualifications as well as innovation and business sustainability, which includes the implementation of best farming practices,” SFA said.

Interested tenderers can access the tender packet as well as procedures and requirements on setting up sea-based farms on the agency’s website.