(Originally published on AVA Facebook)
Location, Location, Location!
Did you know Barramundi Asia (BA) is the only local fish farm with ‘real estate’ in the southern waters of Singapore?
The only fish farm licensed to farm there, BA rears barramundi in some of the cleanest deep-seawaters close to our island. These waters give the fish a sweet taste, in contrast to the muddy taste of those reared in fresh water.
Apart from allowing nutrient-rich waste from the fish to be flushed away from the coast into the open seas, the currents also ensure that the fish grow in natural ocean water conditions.
Water conditions are checked every 10 minutes to ensure the quality of the water in and around the fish farm.
A Fish by Any Other Name Would Taste as Fresh
BA rears barramundi, which is Aboriginal for “large-scaled silver fish”. It is also widely known as the Asian Seabass, or as ‘kim bak lor’ to the aunties and uncles.
Whichever name it goes by, barramundi is gaining popularity around the world. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and offers lean protein for a healthier meal.
For BA’s barramundi, pains are taken to grow them fresher and healthier. From fingerling to fry to adult barramundi, they are fed with a strict diet of nutritionally formulated and toxin-free pellets. It does not use any hormones or antibiotics to speed up the growth of the fish.
Keeping It Fresh and Safe!
At BA, fish health is of paramount importance. This is monitored through sampling and testing of fish in different cages. In-house laboratory tests are conducted to ensure that bacteria, viruses, and diseases are kept at bay and fish mortality kept low.
Thanks to these stringent processes, BA is one of few fish farms in Singapore that is certified with GAP-FF (Good Aquaculture Practices for Fish Farming) – a set of guidelines that helps local fish farms improve in areas such as farm infrastructure management, farm husbandry, and fish health management. These guidelines were adapted from internationally recognised standards to ensure they are relevant to the local farming industry.
Produce from certified fish farms carry a certification mark, which distinguishes them from others in the market. Look out for the blue GAP-FF logo the next time you are buying fish!
Farm to Table
Technology is also used in the farm’s carefully developed continuous cold chain.
Once the fish is harvested, they are scaled, filleted, and vacuum-packed to seal out contaminants. Customers will then receive the fresh fish at their doorstep or at various events such as the SG Farmers’ Markets.
On the marketing front, BA promotes their fish under the ‘Kuhlbarra’ label. It has collaborated with numerous restaurants, other local farms, and food enthusiasts to craft mouth-watering recipes.