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People in Singapore will now be able to participate in kayak fishing tours at a local reservoir, as part of a six-month trial by PUB.

PUB told Mothership that the idea of kayak fishing at reservoirs was pitched to them, and they received interest from two private operators to conduct guided kayak fishing activities there.

After evaluating the proposals, the trial was authorised, and will last till end-Feb. 2022.

PUB explained that reservoirs are a shared public resource for the community, and over the years, have been opened up for recreational activities such as fishing, where possible.

Two operators will run tours

Punggol Reservoir was identified as a suitable location for the trial as there are currently minimal water activities being conducted there, PUB stated.

There is also ample space to designate an area within the reservoir for the trial.

According to CNA, the two operators are Kayak Fishing Fever and Yak2Go, who will run the tours at a 2km-stretch along Punggol Reservoir starting from Sengkang Riverside Park.

https://www.facebook.com/Yak2go/posts/388441492916311?__cft__[0]=AZUzNjl8f8yoTXRCZooPAWHewgNoqSb34TYXhrImYlS8ffbyf8EoInesv9_KxAfHG5rV8ptHCWHpcunZD0_-VF81yBodRlmxJqaMWOL69f-vQVcUnxI9iCMK-oc37IszD4_Am6a0b5zGEdMJimljdkId&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

This is the first time kayak fishing has been allowed at Punggol Reservoir.

The trial allows both operators to assess if the reservoir is suitable for offering kayak fishing services in the long-term and if there is sufficient demand for the activity.

No live bait, catch and release only

To minimise the impact on the biodiversity in the reservoir and ensure that water quality and public safety is not affected, the kayak fishing operators are required to adhere to PUB's guidelines on fishing in reservoirs.

This includes conducting within the designated zone PUB has implemented, away from the reservoir's pump and tidal gate operations.

Additionally, the tours are only allowed to operate from 8am to 5pm daily.

Operators are not allowed to use live bait, and fishing litter like lines and hooks must be disposed of properly.

Anglers must also practice catch-and-release.

PUB said it currently has no plans to expand the activity to other reservoirs.

This is because there are already a variety of water and recreational activities available at Singapore's reservoirs under the ABC (Active, Beautiful, Clean) Waters programme, such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating and radio control sailing and electric boating.

Furthermore, PUB has to take into account several factors when considering if kayak fishing will be allowed elsewhere.

These factors include the suitability of the reservoirs' environment, identifying areas large enough for such activities, as well as taking into account competing uses, such as the implementation of floating solar panels on reservoirs.

In the meantime, PUB will monitor and assess the feasibility of kayak fishing as a permanent activity, taking into account factors such as the safety of reservoir users and the public, reservoir ecology and any possible impact on reservoir operations.

While this might be the first time kayak fishing is allowed, regular fishing has long been permitted at selected reservoirs and waterways.

You can find more information on PUB's website.

Those caught violating fishing regulations may be fined up to S$3,000.

Top photo from Kayak Fishing Fever / FB (For illustrative purpose only. Photo was not taken at Punggol Reservoir.)