SFA strengthens emergency response readiness through successful simulation exercise on harmful algae bloom

          The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) successfully conducted a simulation exercise today, to test our operational readiness in responding to potential harmful algae bloom at local coastal fish farms. 

Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB)

2        HAB occurs when there is an excessive growth of harmful algae species in the waters, which can give rise to unfavourable environmental conditions for marine life. HAB can also produce toxins that pose food safety risks, potentially contaminating seafood and making people and animals sick. This naturally occurring phenomenon affects countries worldwide and cannot be completely prevented.  

3        This underscores the need for robust planning and preparedness in responding to HAB, especially given their potential impact on the supply and safety of local seafood. SFA regularly monitors the quality of local coastal waters through indicators such as plankton count, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a levels. These efforts allow SFA to provide early warning to local coastal fish farms when adverse conditions are detected, enabling timely implementation of the farm’s contingency measures to reduce the impact of HAB on local seafood supply.

Exercise HYDRA: Testing Emergency Response Capabilities  

4        To further enhance our operational readiness to manage HAB, SFA conducted a simulation exercise, codenamed “Exercise HYDRA”, today. This exercise involved SFA personnel, our logistics partners ST Logistics Pte Ltd and Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd, and a local coastal fish farm. The exercise tested current protocols for managing potential HAB, including:

• Activation of SFA personnel and logistics partners to support farms in their implementation of emergency harvesting of fish. 

• Implementation of measures required to manage a simulated HAB, including rendering support to the fish farm for the management of simulated fish kills¹ caused by HAB. 

• Setting up of infrastructure and deployment of vessels by logistics partners to monitor and support ground operations. 

5        The simulation provided all stakeholders with the opportunity to experience operational realities, helping to identify areas for enhancement in managing real-life HAB. 

6        SFA will continue to strengthen our emergency response capabilities and readiness to support coastal fish farms in mitigating the impact of HAB to ensure a safe and secure food supply in Singapore. 

¹ There was no actual fish kill during the simulated exercise.