Checking for Illegal Marine Species at Seafood Wholesale Markets and Border Checkpoints and Illegal Trade Prevention Measures

52 Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there are measures in place at seafood wholesale markets including Jurong Fishery Port and border checkpoints to check for illegal or protected marine species, such as certain sharks and rays, requiring CITES permits; and (b) if so, what these measures are and how they are enforced to prevent illegal trade from entering our food supply chain.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: To enforce against the illegal trade of marine species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the National Parks Board works closely with the Singapore Food Agency, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and international partners to assess tip-offs and identify shipments for further checks at our borders, carry out periodic market surveillance at seafood wholesale markets and regularly engage the seafood industry on CITES regulations.

Those who are found to have engaged in illegal trading of CITES Appendix II and III species will be prosecuted under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act. For example, corporate offenders may be subject to a fine of up to the higher of $1 million or the market value of all specimens comprised in the offence or imprisonment of up to six years, or both.