A photo showing alleged anglers in small fishing boats near Sisters' Island.PHOTO: ST READER
SINGAPORE - Anglers have been spotted fishing in the waters near Sisters' Island, although the surrounding waters have been designated a marine park since July 2014.
A dive operator, who did not wish to be named, said that he has seen small fishing boats in the marine park three times this year.
The latest incident was on Sunday (Dec 20), when anglers in at least two boats were seen fishing near or in the marine park.
The operator sent photos and a video of the boats to The Straits Times.
He added that bad weather further out at sea may have caused them to sail closer to the islands.
The Sisters' Island Marine Park was created to be a refuge for the diverse marine wildlife in Singapore's southern waters.
When contacted , the National Parks Board (NParks) said that activities like the collection of flora or fauna and fishing, are not allowed within the marine park. Signs have been put up on the islands, NParks said.
They and their partners will be working with fishing interest groups "in a concerted effort" to conserve Singapore's marine biodiversity, the Board added.
"This is part of our continuing efforts to reach out to the public on the importance of not fishing within our marine park," said Dr Karenne Tun, coastal and marine deputy director at the National Biodiversity Centre.
"We will continue to work closely with agencies and our partners to monitor the situation."