On June 24, a severe fire struck at least two floating fish farms near Pulau Ubin, underscoring the unpredictable risks our local aquaculture community faces daily. Suspected to be caused by a lightning strike on a farm’s solar panels, the blaze required hours of firefighting to extinguish.
The Impact: While we are relieved that no injuries were reported—thanks to the swift and collaborative response of the SCDF, MPA, Airport Emergency Service, and nearby farm workers—the financial toll is devastating.
Essential infrastructure and equipment, including generators, solar panels, and fishing vessels, were destroyed. Furthermore, damaged nets led to the escape of at least half of the farm’s fish stock. One farmer estimates losses of up to $120,000, compounded by the harsh reality that no insurance coverage is available to absorb the blow.
Why this matters to our ecosystem: This incident highlights a critical vulnerability in our local food production: the lack of accessible insurance and robust risk mitigation for our maritime farmers. As we collectively push to strengthen Singapore’s food security and “30 by 30” goals, safeguarding the livelihoods of those who literally feed our nation must be a priority.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is currently on the ground assisting the affected farms, but it will take wider industry awareness and structural support to build a more resilient agricultural sector.
Let’s keep our local farmers in our thoughts during this challenging recovery and continue advocating for better systemic protections.
Read the full details from The Straits Times below. 👇
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gKdwSgBg
Floating fish farms near Pulau Ubin catch fire after suspected lightning strike
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