Fish in a 'responsible and sustainable' manner, says NParks, after angler catches eagle ray

SINGAPORE: The Nationwide Parks Board (NParks) stated on Sunday (Might 30) that members of the general public are inspired to fish in a accountable method and to make use of extra sustainable practices such because the catch-and-release. 

"This is especially for juveniles, endangered and threatened species," director of NParks' Nationwide Biodiversity Centre Dr Karenne Tun stated in response to queries from CNA. 

Dr Tun's assertion follows the emergence of a extensively shared video on Fb of an angler in Singapore reeling in what seems to be a white-spotted eagle ray at East Coast Park.

The ray, which might develop as much as 3m huge, is classed as weak underneath the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature Crimson Checklist of Threatened Species. 

NParks didn't touch upon the video or make clear the place or when the ray was caught, however stated it takes a balanced method on leisure fishing and works with different businesses to coach the fishing neighborhood to fish solely at designated websites.

Designated fishing websites embody Changi Seashore Park and Changi Boardwalk, East Coast Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, Pasir Ris Park, Pulau Ubin, Sembawang Park, West Coast Park and Woodlands Waterfront Park. 

NParks stated that it has additionally labored with sustainable fishing group Marine Stewards Singapore to develop an data board at Bedok Jetty. 

The board showcases the widespread fish species caught there, "as well as to promote sustainable fishing practices, including catch-and-release. The white-spotted eagle ray is included in the 'catch-and-release' list," stated Dr Tun.

'NO FISHING' AREAS 

To guard Singapore's marine life and the greater than 100 species of fish that may be present in Singapore's waters, sure 'No Fishing' areas have been designated for fish to flourish and develop to maturity, NParks stated. 

These embody areas such because the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Labrador Nature Reserve’s rocky shore, Chek Jawa Wetlands, and the waters round Coney Island Park. 

Offenders might be fined as much as S$5,000 for fishing in ‘No Fishing’ areas in NParks-managed parks, and as much as S$50,000 for fishing in nature reserves. 

NParks additionally works with different businesses to hold out joint enforcement operations in nature reserves and reservoirs to curb unlawful fishing, it stated.

SUSTAINABLE FISHING

Dr Tun stated NParks has additionally labored with fishing communities and engaged anglers by neighborhood initiatives to advertise accountable fishing and "best practices for recreational fishing". 

Members of the general public who fish recreationally must also take into account extra sustainable strategies of fishing, Dr Tun stated. 

Every methodology of fishing - from the hook, rod and line to fish traps and nets, "has their own characteristics and varies in their impact on the environment", she defined. 

"Fish traps and nets tend to be more indiscriminate, and when lost in the sea, will continue to trap and kill fish and other marine life. 

"Nets that settle onto the seabed might additionally entangle corals or different bottom-dwelling organisms, and may smother them to demise. 

"For this reason, net fishing and the use of wire mesh traps are not allowed in areas managed by NParks," stated Dr Tun.

NParks additionally encourages catch-and-release fishing, the place fish that aren't going to be eaten are launched again into the ocean.

"Responsible fishing practices will help us maintain our rich biodiversity and will the population to continue to thrive," stated Dr Tun.