Why fishing is not allowed along the Berlayer Creek

Visitors urged to be considerate to others: National Parks Board
Letter from Kartini Omar General Manager, Parks, National Parks Board Today Online 18 Jan 12;

WE THANK Ms Mary Maloney for her letter, "Boardwalks for walking or ...?" (Jan 14).

We agree with Ms Maloney that what she saw at Labrador Park and Changi Boardwalk were instances of inconsiderate behaviour.

We would like to take this opportunity to explain why fishing is not allowed at or along the Berlayer Creek and the Bukit Chermin Boardwalk in Labrador Nature Reserve.

The boardwalk is narrow, hence the casting of lines and hooks, as well as lines left dangling by the side of the railing pose a danger to other visitors.

In a small coastal creek, driftnet fishing can take away many small marine animals that are important to the ecosystem there.

Driftnets that get stuck in the small creek will also damage the natural habitats in the area.

Those who fish in prohibited areas in parks can be fined S$200 in the first instance. We will step up patrols in the area.

For the safety of other park visitors, cyclists need to dismount and push their bicycles along the Berlayer Creek and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk.

We have advised cyclists to take heed of the signs along the boardwalks, and will continue to do so.

Our parks and gardens are for the enjoyment of everyone. We urge all visitors to be considerate to others, and help keep our parks and gardens litter-free.

NParks to step up enforcement action at park connector
Straits Times Forum 20 Jan 12;

WE SHARE Mr Wang Eng Hin's concern that some park users' irresponsible behaviour has resulted in litter along the Punggol Park Connector Network ('Punggol's dangerous anglers'; Tuesday).

Currently, our contractors clean up the Punggol Park Connector Network (PCN) on a daily basis. We had informed Mr Wang earlier that we would be deploying more cleaners to maintain the area. We will be stepping up enforcement action along Punggol PCN as well.

Our parks and gardens are for the enjoyment of everyone. We urge all PCN users to be considerate to others, and help keep our park connectors litter-free.

Kartini Omar (Ms)
General Manager, Parks
National Parks Board