SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY LAUNCHES TWO ‘SEA SPACE PARCELS’ FOR AQUACULTURE

Singapore Food Agency launches two ‘sea space parcels’ for aquaculture. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has launched two sea space parcels for farming of fin fish and crustaceans off Pulau Bukom in the Southern Waters for sale by public tender.
This is the first time that SFA is launching a tender for sea space farming. Closed Containment Aquaculture System (CCAS) must be used for this tender. The two sea parcels are approximately 5 Ha each and each parcel allows for a maximum allowable production of 1,732.5T per year (90% of the parcel’s carrying capacity as recommended by environmental studies1 ). 3. Tenderers may bid for one, or both parcels.
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.
Ms Wong Sheau Fong, SFA’s Senior Director, Food Infrastructure Development & 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% of Singapore’s nutritional needs by 2030. 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.
“We have been conducting studies and surveys and working closely with the industry, nature groups and the marine biodiversity academics to unlock more new sea spaces for sustainable aquaculture. SFA has carefully considered the feedback received and will continue to work with farms, including successful tenderers in the sea space tender exercises, to transform our agri-food industry and bolster Singapore’s food security.”