WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 75 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 76) cultivate milkfish, mullet, and other niche species. Asian seabass has emerged as a focal species due to strong domestic demand, suitability for intensive farming, and relevance to regional markets. Marine tilapia is also gaining interest as an emerging species, given its production robustness, scalability potential, and improved organoleptic qualities compared with tilapia reared in freshwater. The sector still spans a spectrum of production models at various stages of transformation. Coastal farms along the Straits of Johor still contribute a significant share of local output. While historically reliant on open net cages, many operators have strengthened husbandry and operational practices, supported by real-time water quality monitoring and advisory alerts delivered through the Singapore Food Agency’s (SFA) Aquaculture Sensing Network (ASN) portal (Figure 1). For example, The Fish Farmer, one of Singapore’s largest local coastal sea-cage producers, has been reported to use IoT water-quality monitoring to detect low dissolved oxygen events and trigger rapid mitigation measures, including activating solar-powered air blowers to provide on-demand aeration during low-oxygen conditions. Other operators are transitioning toward higher-technology systems to improve productivity. Singapore Aquaculture Technologies (SAT), for instance, operates recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) on floating barges, enabling a more controlled approach to coastal production with higher biosecurity. These floating closed-containment systems support higher stocking densities while reducing exposure to adverse environmental conditions (Figure 2). Land-based operators such as Swee Chioh Fishery, Blue Aqua, Vertical Oceans, AquaChamp, and Blue Ocean Aquaculture Technology (BOAT) represent different models along the transformation pathway — from strengthened hatchery and nursery capabilities, to mixotrophic systems, automated biosecure shrimp production, and indoor multi-storey RAS facilities housed in industrial settings. While most local operations remain small by global standards, Singapore’s farms increasingly function not only as producers, but also as operational testbeds for technologies and research outcomes with potential for regional deployment (Figure 3). Enablers: R&D, Technology Adoption and AquaPolis Technology development and adoption sit at the core of Singapore’s aquaculture strategy. With high land, labour, and energy costs, productivity gains must come from better system design, biological optimisation, and operational efficiency, rather than expansion through scale. At many farms, automated feeding, sensor-based waterquality monitoring, and real-time alert platforms are increasingly common. The next phase would involve deeper system integration, including continuous sensing, predictive modelling, and real-time decision support, with artificial intelligence (AI) offering potential to further enhance system optimisation. Emerging approaches such as environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance and microbiome-based sensing could further strengthen early warning capabilities. Genetics and early growth performance remain key priorities. Selective breeding programmes are underway for key species including Asian seabass, red snapper, and marine tilapia. To reduce reliance on imported seedstock and improve production consistency, the SFA has established national initiatives such as the National Broodstock Centre (NBC) and the Hatchery Development and Recognition Programme (HDRP). These initiatives aim to supply higher-performance eggs and fingerlings, strengthen early lifestage outcomes, and promote the adoption of best practices across FIGURE 2. (Top) The Fish Farmer (TFF), one of Singapore’s largest coastal sea-cage farms; (Bottom) Singapore Aquaculture Technologies (SAT) produces through recirculating aquaculture systems on floating barges. Photo credits: TFF and SAT. FIGURE 3. (Top) Blue Ocean Aquaculture Technology (BOAT), one of Singapore’s land-based farms using recirculating aquaculture systems; (Bottom) Blue Aqua, a land-based shrimp producer. Photo credit: Singapore Food Agency.
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