AY1516G13 – “Can awareness promote a demand for sustainable aquaculture in Singapore?”

Ang Wei Xuan (FASS/ARS1), Benjamin Leow Wei Onn (FASS/ARS1), Deborah Teo Hwee Ching (FoS/SCI1), Kashish Sunil Sawalani (FoE/BIE1)

Academic Advisor: Sadaf Ansari & Sergio Jofre | Student Fellow: Nicholas Tan

Due to increased fish consumption, practices of aquaculture have to be altered sustainably to feed this demand. We aim to investigate the likelihood of adopting sustainable practices of aquaculture and responses of consumers and fish merchants on shifting coastal fish farming to more sustainable means.Research was conducted on current approaches to aquaculture and concluded that change was needed on a national level. To ascertain consumer awareness we conducted surveys to deduce whether average Singaporeans would be open to supporting sustainable methods given that a premium or change in diet may be needed. We surveyed a total of 152 individuals across NUS and public. Results indicated that >70% of people surveyed (18-50) were unaware of current unsustainable practices and are keen to adopt sustainable means. We can conclude that it is likely for Singaporeans to embrace sustainable means of aquaculture, thus we should push towards generating awareness among Singaporeans.

Keywords: Culture and Lifestyle Trends, Responsible Consumption, Natural Environment and Ecosystem, Sustainable Diet, Aquaculture, Sustainable diet