SINGAPORE: A new research initiative, the AquaPolis Programme, has been launched to enhance Singapore’s aquaculture sector. Focusing on three key fish species – barramundi (Asian sea bass), red snapper, and marine tilapia – the program will delve into areas such as fish breeding, genetics, nutrition, environmental impact, and talent development in aquaculture.
Under the larger Singapore Aquaculture Plan, the AquaPolis Programme is set to address various challenges faced by local fish farms. Specific goals include the development of vaccines for the Asian sea bass, studying the impact of gut microbes on fish health, and advancing research in fish breeding and genetics.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA), National University of Singapore (NUS), and Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, along with several local farms, are part of the collaborative effort. The AquaPolis Programme was officially initiated with the signing of an agreement at the Global Agri-Food Scientific Symposium.
Singapore Aquaculture Technologies, a key participant in the program, aims to develop an mRNA vaccine against the scale drop disease virus affecting Asian sea bass. The virus, endemic to Southeast Asia, can be devastating, causing scale loss and fin erosion, leading to significant fish losses during outbreaks.
Barramundi Group, another participant, recently halted commercial production at its three farms due to scale drop disease outbreaks. The research program seeks to address such challenges and improve the overall sustainability and productivity of the aquaculture sector in Singapore.
The scientists involved in the AquaPolis Programme are exploring various aspects, including the reasons behind the survival struggles of red snapper fish larvae in indoor hatcheries. The program also aims to increase the talent pool in high-tech farming through the potential creation of a minor program in agriculture and aquaculture under NUS’ life sciences arm.
Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon announced that two sub-committees would collaborate with stakeholders to develop the Singapore Aquaculture Plan. The goal is to enhance productivity in aquaculture while ensuring that farms contribute positively to the marine environment.