Straits Times Forum 23 Dec 08;
MR EDMUND HOE: 'I refer to last Tuesday's report, 'S'pore coastline getting dirtier'. Although it is important to track the size of trash we are recovering from our coastline over the years, it is also crucial that we identify the source of the trash accurately. This will ensure that our efforts towards having a clean environment are focused properly.
Having worked offshore and being an avid fisherman, I have seen masses of floating debris moving from the open sea towards our shoreline on many occasions. Once the tide recedes, the debris is trapped in mangrove swamps and along the coastal rock bund. Left uncleared, they build up swiftly.
The trash may have originated from foreign shores or from ships in our port. While much effort and resources are being directed towards ensuring a clean environment on our land, have we done enough to safeguard the cleanliness of our precious coastline and water? Could there be more enforcement in our waters and more effective dialogue with our neighbours?'
