Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege

Singapore oil spill: Johor Strait fish farms unaffected, SFA confirms local fish are safe to eat

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • The recent oil spill in Singapore has not affected fish farms in the Johor Strait, and local fish are safe to eat, according to the SFA.
  • Extensive cleanup efforts are underway to mitigate the environmental impact, with significant community involvement.
  • Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to protect marine life and habitats from further damage.

The recent oil spill off the coast of Singapore has raised significant concerns about its impact on marine life and local fish farms. However, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has confirmed that fish farms in the Johor Strait remain unaffected, and local fish are safe to eat.

On June 14, 2024, a collision between the Netherlands-flagged dredging boat Vox Maxima and the stationary Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour at Pasir Panjang Terminal resulted in a significant oil spill. The spill has since spread to various coastal areas, including Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve, and East Coast Park, prompting an extensive cleanup operation.

Impact on Marine Life

The oil spill has had a noticeable impact on marine habitats and wildlife. Reports indicate that mangroves, lagoons, and coastal areas around St John’s and Lazarus Islands have been affected. Marine conservation groups have observed oil-coated birds and marine animals struggling to survive. Ms. Sue Ye, founder of Marine Stewards, highlighted the dire situation, stating, "Oil spills smother and suffocate fish, birds, and marine animals that have to go to the surface for air, such as turtles and dolphins".

Fish Farms in Johor Strait

Despite the widespread environmental impact, the SFA has assured the public that fish farms in the Johor Strait have not been affected by the oil spill. The agency has conducted thorough inspections and water quality tests to ensure the safety of local seafood. "Our tests confirm that the fish from these farms are safe for consumption," an SFA spokesperson stated.

Cleanup Efforts

Authorities have intensified cleanup efforts to mitigate the spill's impact. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has deployed 18 response craft, oil booms, dispersants, and oil skimmers to contain and clean up the spill. Close to 1,500 meters of container booms have been deployed to prevent further spread of oil onto the shores.

Community Involvement

The local community has shown a strong willingness to assist in the cleanup efforts. National Development Minister Desmond Lee mentioned that many people have contacted authorities to volunteer. "Anyone who wants to volunteer or contribute in any way can fill up this form," he said in a Facebook post.

While the oil spill has undoubtedly caused environmental damage, the swift response from authorities and the community's involvement have been crucial in managing the situation. The assurance from the SFA that local fish are safe to eat provides some relief amid the ongoing cleanup efforts. Continued vigilance and coordinated efforts will be essential to fully address the spill's impact and protect Singapore's marine ecosystems.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege

Read More

Finance Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceApril 2, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Hong Kong stocks slide amid Trump tariff fears

[WORLD] Hong Kong's financial markets suffered a severe slump today, with the Hang Seng Index (HSI) falling dramatically in response to rising trade...

Finance Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceApril 2, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

FBM KLCI opens higher post-holiday amid cautious market sentiment

[MALAYSIA] The FBM KLCI got off to a good start in early trade on Wednesday, as trading resumed after the two-day Hari Raya...

Economy Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 2, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

China's tariff-dodging strategy in Mexico faces collapse

[WORLD] In recent years, Chinese manufacturers have increasingly relied on Mexico as a strategic base to avoid US tariffs. By moving production to...

Tech Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
TechApril 2, 2025 at 9:00:00 AM

Trump faces deadline to decide TikTok's U.S. future

[UNITED STATES] President Donald Trump is due to review a final plan for the sale of TikTok's US operations today, just days before...

Finance Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceApril 2, 2025 at 8:30:00 AM

Visa bids $100 million to secure Apple Card partnership

[WORLD] Visa Inc. reportedly offered Apple around $100 million to replace Mastercard as the payment network for the Apple Card. The bid highlights...

Economy Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 2, 2025 at 6:30:00 AM

Oil prices dip as trade war fears and supply worries loom

[WORLD] Oil prices fell on Tuesday as traders braced for reciprocal tariffs that US President Donald Trump is expected to announce on Wednesday,...

Economy Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 2, 2025 at 6:30:00 AM

Wall Street climbs amid tariff uncertainty as tech stocks rebound

[UNITED STATES] The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both closed higher on Tuesday, following a volatile day on Wall Street driven by market...

Economy Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 1, 2025 at 7:30:00 PM

Singapore faces economic slowdown amid US tariff impact

[SINGAPORE] Singapore's GDP is expected to decelerate to between 1% and 3% in 2025, down from a strong 4.4% expansion in 2024. This...

Careers Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
CareersApril 1, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Why job applications get rejected beyond qualifications

[WORLD] Applying for jobs can be an exciting yet stressful experience. After tailoring your resume, writing a compelling cover letter, and impressing during...

Leadership Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
LeadershipApril 1, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Leveraging thought leadership to escape overwork

[WORLD] Many individuals find themselves trapped in the cycle of overwork. Constantly juggling responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and responding to emails, many professionals reach...

Economy Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 1, 2025 at 3:00:00 AM

Trump's tariffs and the role of VAT in trade policy

[UNITED STATES] In the evolving landscape of international trade, the prospect of reciprocal tariffs under the leadership of former President Donald Trump has...

Culture Asia
Image Credits: Unsplash
CultureApril 1, 2025 at 3:00:00 AM

Reviving workplace culture for long-term success

[WORLD] Many companies are struggling to maintain a strong, cohesive workplace culture. While employees may be physically present in the office or virtually...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege