Yes, collecting sea glass is permitted in Singapore, but it is subject to stringent environmental and maritime regulations.
Sea glass collection is not outright banned, yet it falls under the purview of the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The activity must comply with the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and the National Parks Act, particularly in coastal and marine protected areas. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize stricter enforcement of no-take zones under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, where even minor disturbances to marine ecosystems may trigger penalties.
Key Regulations for Collecting Sea Glass in Singapore
- Protected Marine Areas: Collection is prohibited in designated marine parks (e.g., Sisters’ Islands Marine Park) and nature reserves, as enforced by NParks under the National Parks Act. Violations may incur fines up to S$50,000 or imprisonment.
- Permit Requirements: A permit from MPA is mandatory for commercial collection or removal of more than 5 kg of marine debris, including sea glass, under the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Regulations 2014.
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Large-scale collection may require an EIA under the EPMA, particularly if it disrupts coastal habitats or endangered species like seagrass beds or coral fragments.