OTTER TRAWLING (Expansion of)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what measures he proposes to take to encourage the expansion of otter trawling and if his Ministry will consult with the Ministry of Defence with a view to stepping up patrols by the Republic of Singapore Navy to protect our otter trawling fleet from harassment by pirates on the high seas in the vicinity of Horsburgh Lighthouse.

Dr Tan Eng Liang (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, otter trawling is one of the methods of fishing used by our fishermen. The Primary Production Department is also encouraging the fishermen to use other methods of fishing. However, the expansion of otter trawling is limited due to the lack of fishing ground and the lack of interest among our youths to take up fishing as they do not like the difficult life at sea.

The Primary Production Department used to run a Fisheries Training School with UNDP assistance. From a survey conducted on more than 100 trainees who have completed a one-year training course, only 8% were found to be employed on board fishing vessels. The Training School has been discontinued since June 1976.

The Primary Production Department maintains close liaison with the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Marine Police on the protection of our fishing vessels against piracy. Naval vessels have been deployed to conduct anti-piracy patrols in the vicinity of Horsburgh Lighthouse. This has resulted in a reduction in the number of piracy incidents in the area. In 1975, there were 25 reported harassment cases. In 1976, only seven cases were reported.