June 12, 2024

 

Journalists explore Singapore's modern aquaculture technologies

As part of the Journalist Visit Programme (JVP), journalists from Southeast Asia explored Singapore's advanced aquaculture technologies and smart farming systems that provide the nation with fresh, sustainable fish, Khmer Times reported.

 

This initiative allowed journalists to gain firsthand insights into the innovative methods transforming aquaculture in Singapore. The JVP, titled "Driving Toward a Sustainable and Resilient Singapore," was organized by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF).

 

During the programme, journalists from ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, visited the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (ACE).

 

On the final day, the journalists toured ACE's Eco-Spark, a floating closed containment farm in northeast Singapore. Guided by Patrick Sehoo from the ACE Group, the journalists explored the innovative farm, which employs 18 people to ensure its smooth operation.

 

He further elaborated that traditional fish farming involves using cages submerged in the sea where the seawater is unfiltered. But ACE Group utilises a closed containment system, to protect the fish from red tide, a virus outbreak, or any other contamination in the waters.

 

ACE's Eco-Spark raises two types of fish: sea bass and threadfin. The farm's filtration system also removes fish waste before releasing water back into the ocean, preventing pollution. Additionally, the farm generates energy from solar panels and transports fish directly from the farm to customers.

 

Sehoo explained that the piping and the dangling food stacks bring oxygen to the system, generated by an oxygen generator.

 

The journalists were allowed access inside the farm, exploring the detailed processes of raising healthy fish in chemical-free conditions using advanced technology as an alternative to traditional fish farming methods.

 

Sehoo explained that ACE's approach to aquaculture not only ensures the production of high-quality fish but also significantly reduces environmental impact. Not far from Eco-Spark, ACE also operates the Eco-Ark, featuring an automated tank cleaning and feeder system. This integration creates an optimal environment for raising and harvesting healthy fish.

 

The Eco-Ark achieves higher production yields by maintaining a higher stock density and utilizing advanced aquaculture technology to increase fish survival rates. ACE is committed to marine and environmental stewardship, addressing concerns about food security, overfishing, and carbon emissions from fishing boats and transportation logistics.

 

ACE applies precision aquaculture technology, state-of-the-art post-harvest processing, fish health monitoring and management, and fish harvest traceability to provide consumers with fresh, tasty, and nutritious fish. The Eco-Ark, a patented floating closed containment farm, represents a significant approach to meeting the increasing demand for food fish sustainably and ethically.

 

The Eco-Ark filters and contains microplastic contamination, red algae, and other particulates from seawater, ensuring the fish are reared in a healthy environment and making them nutritious and safe for consumption. ACE's state-of-the-art post-harvest processing, fish health monitoring and management, and fish harvest traceability provide a high level of assurance to consumers for fresh, tasty, and nutritious food fish.

 

-      Khmer Times