August 4, 2023

Barramundi Group halts sea bass farming in Singapore due to virus outbreak

Barramundi Group, Singapore's sole fish farm operator in its southern waters, has stopped commercial production of sea bass farming after its farm sites were affected by a scale drop disease virus (SDDV) outbreak, The Straits Times reported.

Barramundi Group had ceased the stocking of its three ocean-based farm sites by June 2023, and completed the harvest of its Asian sea bass, also referred to as barramundi. The scale drop disease virus, which occurs naturally in Singapore and certain parts of South-east Asia, can wreak havoc on barramundi populations, causing substantial mortalities, including scale loss and fin erosion.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) acknowledged that farms within the Johor Strait, a significant location for Singapore's fish farms, have sporadically reported manifestations of the virus. SFA's response indicated that while barramundi and yellowfin seabream are susceptible to the virus, there is no evidence of its transmission to other fish species. A 2021 study indicated that farmed yellowfin seabream can also be affected by SDDV.

Barramundi Group's annual report for the financial year 2022 highlighted its decision to halt farming activities at its Singapore sites around Pulau Semakau, Pulau Senang, and St John's Island until a viable vaccine is available to counter the virus. The company expressed a commitment to animal welfare and ethical considerations in this decision.

The financial impact of the virus outbreak on Barramundi Group's Singapore operations has been substantial, resulting in significant financial losses. The company recorded a loss of SGD 31.9 million (~US$27.3 million; SGD 1 = US$0.75) for the financial year 2022. As a strategic shift, Brunei is poised to become the base for the group's fish production. Harvested sea bass will be processed and then shipped to Singapore and international markets.

Despite this setback, Barramundi Group remains dedicated to Singapore's aqua-tech capabilities, focusing on areas such as vaccine and therapeutic development, animal health, broodstock research, and the supply of high-quality fry and fingerlings. The company's operations encompass a hatchery, nursery, and broodstock facility at the Marine Aquaculture Centre on St John's Island, where research collaborations and fry distribution to local fish farms and research institutes continue.

As part of its future plans, Barramundi Group aims to export newly hatched barramundi, known as fish fry, to overseas farms, further emphasising its commitment to the aquaculture sector's development and resilience.

-      The Straits Times