In Straits Times today
Headlined in the Straits Times today: "THE Government's plans to open up Singapore's reservoirs for sporting activities may run into a thorny issue. Freshwater stingrays abandoned by fish hobbyists are believed to be breeding in at least one reservoir: the Seletar. "
I found the article to be an informative piece of reporting about the problem of invasive species in our local waterways. It suggested that these foreign species were introduced by hobbyists or anglers. But instead of focusing on what could be done (i.e., enforcement, education, extra-vigilance) to address this problem, it gave the impression that the public should stay away.
One zoologist went as far as to warn that "limbs could be amputated due to stingrays stings". Suddenly our reservoirs are a dangerous place. Many years ago, I remember a rumour about crocodiles sighting that forced PUB to shut down Macritchie Reservoir "for safety reasons". It was shut for more than 10 years.
Nature is neither dangerous nor protecting. It is just the way it has been for eons of years. Our natural environment is for everyone to enjoy. By encouraging people to get close to nature, it is inevitable that some will trampled on nature, or in return be stinged. But more likely I think people who have the opportunity to get close to nature, will be awed by its beauty and wonders to want to preserve and protect it.
Everyone should be informed of how best we can tackle this problem of invasive species in our waterways. But to suggest that our reservoirs are dangerous does not solve the problem. In fact as someone who is a firm supporter of the opening of reservoirs for recreational boating, the timming of this article is not lost on me.
I found the article to be an informative piece of reporting about the problem of invasive species in our local waterways. It suggested that these foreign species were introduced by hobbyists or anglers. But instead of focusing on what could be done (i.e., enforcement, education, extra-vigilance) to address this problem, it gave the impression that the public should stay away.
One zoologist went as far as to warn that "limbs could be amputated due to stingrays stings". Suddenly our reservoirs are a dangerous place. Many years ago, I remember a rumour about crocodiles sighting that forced PUB to shut down Macritchie Reservoir "for safety reasons". It was shut for more than 10 years.
Nature is neither dangerous nor protecting. It is just the way it has been for eons of years. Our natural environment is for everyone to enjoy. By encouraging people to get close to nature, it is inevitable that some will trampled on nature, or in return be stinged. But more likely I think people who have the opportunity to get close to nature, will be awed by its beauty and wonders to want to preserve and protect it.
Everyone should be informed of how best we can tackle this problem of invasive species in our waterways. But to suggest that our reservoirs are dangerous does not solve the problem. In fact as someone who is a firm supporter of the opening of reservoirs for recreational boating, the timming of this article is not lost on me.
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