Sampling and DNA Analysis for Non-compliant Shark's Fin Shipments
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the percentage of shark’s fin shipments undergoing sampling and DNA analysis for CITES Appendix I species, as raised by MP Louis Ng Kok Kwang. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee explained that the National Parks Board uses a comprehensive inspection approach involving regular surveillance, market monitoring, and tip-offs from international partners. Frontline officers employ the Fin Finder AI application to visually identify shark species quickly, ensuring the process goes beyond a simple sampling approach. Suspicious shipments then undergo detailed DNA testing at the Centre for Wildlife Forensics to confirm the presence of any protected species. This regulatory framework ensures that all CITES-listed shark species entering Singapore are accompanied by the necessary permits in accordance with international trade rules.
Transcript
73 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development what percentage of shark's fin shipments undergo sampling and DNA analysis to ensure that there are no Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Appendix I species of sharks in the shipment.
Mr Desmond Lee: Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), wildlife species are listed under three appendices, depending on how threatened or endangered the species are. Appendix I species are threatened with extinction but can be traded under exceptional circumstances. For example, CITES allows Appendix I specimens to be traded for non-commercial purposes such as for scientific research.
Most CITES-listed shark species are in Appendix II, where their survival may be threatened if trade is not regulated. While commercial trade of such species is allowed, all CITES species brought into Singapore must be accompanied by CITES permits in accordance with CITES rules and regulations.
The National Parks Board (NParks) conducts regular inspections on importers, relies on tip-offs from other regulatory agencies and international partners and carries out market surveillance, to identify shark’s fin shipments that may not have the necessary CITES permits. Accordingly, our inspection process goes beyond a simple sampling approach. To confirm if these shipments contain CITES-listed species, frontline officers use an Artificial Intelligence-based mobile application known as the Fin Finder to help them visually identify shark species quickly and accurately. Further DNA testing is then conducted on suspicious shipments at NParks’ Centre for Wildlife Forensics.