PUB opens up part of area to anglers and expands other sites
Feng Zengkun Straits Times 3 Dec 12;
ANGLERS will now be able to fish at Marina Reservoir with immediate effect.
Last Saturday, national water agency PUB opened part of the reservoir for fishing and expanded the designated sites at three other reservoirs.
These are the Jurong Lake, Bedok and Lower Seletar reservoirs.
The PUB said the move was part of its plan to increase the reservoirs' vibrancy and "encourage greater stewardship of the waterways".
It said: "Since 2004, the PUB has progressively opened up reservoirs for water sports and activities under its Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters programme."
Fishing is also allowed at specific areas in other reservoirs, including the Lower Peirce, MacRitchie and Serangoon reservoirs.
All fishing spots can be found at the agency's website at www.pub.gov.sg
Anglers welcomed the news of the new fishing areas but some were concerned about possible over-fishing at the sites.
Mr Tan Tien Yun, president of the local Gamefish and Aquatic Rehabilitation Society, said the group was working with PUB to introduce a pilot sustainable fishing programme at two sites in Lower Seletar.
Part of the programme will encourage anglers to adopt better fishing practices, such as not using live bait and nets to catch the fish.
The project will also look at ways to improve fish habitats, for example by providing shelter under plants, rocks, sticks and stones.
This would give the fish spaces to hide and rear their young, leading to a more sustainable fish population, said Mr Tan.
He said the group and the PUB are still working out details of the pilot project, expected to start next year.
Administrative assistant Jack Chen, 34, who fishes at Bedok Reservoir on weekends, said he has noticed more people taking up the activity in recent years.
"It's good that the PUB is opening up more places for people to fish.
"But I hope the anglers will clean up after themselves and not give us a bad name," he said.
