wild shores of singapore

Another $135 million injected into coastal protection

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:16:51 +0000

Singapore is injecting another $135 million under the Coastal and Flood Resilience (CFR) Funding Initiative. For research for practical solutions in construction efficiency for future coastal works; tidal gates and pumping stations; and enhance digital predictive maintenance and monitoring.

Authorities will explore how inland flooding facilities can be integrated with green spaces and public use, so that these flood-protection measures are not just a single-purpose infrastructure but ones that people can also enjoy”. One project aims to combine conventional coastal structures with natural habitats such as mangroves and corals – living components that can help protect the shore and provide ecological benefits.

Singapore invests another $135m for coastal protection, flood resilience research
Jean Wee Straits Times Oct 21, 2026, 05:35 PM

SINGAPORE – Singapore is injecting another $135 million for coastal protection and flood resilience.

The new tranche of funds will go towards research for practical solutions in three areas – to improve construction efficiency for future coastal works; optimise tidal gates and pumping stations for dense urban environments; and enhance digital solutions for predictive maintenance and monitoring.

The new Coastal and Flood Resilience (CFR) Funding Initiative was announced by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Goh Hanyan at a symposium on Oct 21.

She highlighted the need for Singapore to prepare for inland flooding as the climate changes, noting that when heavy rainfall coincides with higher sea levels or storm surges, excess stormwater may not drain effectively and can cause flooding to spread farther inland.

Major drainage outlets will require wider drains, tidal gates and pumping stations to manage heavy rainfall in such conditions, she added.

So research is needed to explore systems that are “more compact, energy-efficient and easier to maintain, so they can fit within Singapore’s limited waterfront space”.

Speaking at the Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Singapore’s annual symposium, Goh also noted that the authorities will “explore how these facilities can be integrated with green spaces and public use, so that these flood-protection measures are not just a single-purpose infrastructure but ones that people can also enjoy”.

The new funding will also go to research in two other areas, she said.

One is to explore construction methods that require less manpower, shorten construction time, reduce the amount of land needed, and use sustainable materials like recycled waste.

The other is to focus on enhancing digital solutions, using connected sensors and remote tools for early warning and predictive maintenance.

National water agency PUB said it will begin calling for proposals under these areas from 2027.

The new $135 million tranche of funds comes from the $37 billion that had been allocated to research activities in Singapore from 2026 to 2030 under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan.

It comes on top of the $125 million first put into establishing the Coastal Protection and Flood Management Research Programme in 2023.

To date, PUB has funded 46 research projects under the programme.

Eight of these projects were awarded on Oct 21.

One project aims to combine conventional coastal structures with natural habitats such as mangroves and corals – living components that can help protect the shore and provide ecological benefits.

Another project explores modular coastal barriers for rapid deployment during emergencies or while permanent seawalls are being repaired.

CFI Singapore executive director professor Adrian Law said at the symposium: “The scale and complexity of coastal adaptation for the world, and for Singapore as a country, mean that no single institution or discipline can address these challenges alone.”

Goh added that “coastal protection is not a one-time effort”.

“It is a continuous process of learning and improving as conditions evolve and our knowledge deepens. Research remains an essential pillar of our adaptation journey.”

Pilot in 2027 for ash scattering at Southern shores

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 22:09:09 +0000

Families wishing to scatter their loved ones’ ashes at sea will have a new option from the second half of 2027, when the National Environment Agency (NEA) launches a two-year pilot ferry service. The service will run weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal under an operator appointed by NEA, and take multiple groups on a single vessel.

Ash scattering at sea is currently offered by funeral service providers at a designated site about 3.2km east of Raffles Lighthouse. Also just off Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa via bumboat departing Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

NEA to pilot weekly ferry service for ashes scattering at sea from 2027
The service will operate weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal.
Chelsea Ong Channel NewsAsia 12 Oct 2026 03:33PM(Updated: 12 Oct 2026 06:02PM)

SINGAPORE: Families will have a new option for scattering the cremated remains of their loved ones at sea under a two-year ferry service pilot that will begin in the second half of 2027.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Monday (Oct 12) that the service will operate weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal, with multiple groups travelling on the same vessel.

Each application will cost S$50 (US$39).

The pilot is intended to make sea ash scattering more accessible while responding to growing demand for after-death services as Singapore's population ages.

Annual deaths in Singapore are projected to rise from about 26,500 in 2025 to around 40,000 by 2040, NEA said.

About 82 per cent of people who die in Singapore are currently cremated, while ash scattering has become an increasingly popular alternative to keeping cremated remains.

Since inland ash scattering was introduced in 2021, the proportion of cremations involving ashes scattered at designated inland facilities has risen from about 7 per cent in 2022 - the first full year of operation - to about 12 per cent in 2025.

Singapore's second inland ash scattering facility, the Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium, opened in August 2025.

The booking fee to scatter cremated remains at the two gardens is S$320.

A study on wake spaces conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore also found substantial interest in ash scattering.

About 42 per cent of respondents said they preferred ash scattering, including 27 per cent who favoured scattering ashes at sea and 15 per cent who preferred inland ash scattering.

“These findings reflect sizeable interest in ash scattering as an alternative to storing cremated remains,” NEA said.

Further details of the ferry service, including the location of the pilot sea ash scattering site, booking arrangements and procedures, will be announced before the service begins in 2027.

NEA deputy chief executive officer and director-general of public health Chew Ming Fai said: “As needs and preferences evolve, we are committed to providing more options for people making after-death arrangements for their loved ones.

“This pilot will make the scattering of ashes at sea more accessible, while allowing us to better understand demand and shape the service to meet their needs.”

Source: CNA/co(gf)

NEA to offer ferry services for scattering of cremated remains at sea from second half of 2027
Syarafana Shafeeq Straits Times Oct 12, 2026, 02:30 PM

SINGAPORE – Families wishing to scatter their loved ones’ ashes at sea will have a new option from the second half of 2027, when the National Environment Agency (NEA) launches a two-year pilot ferry service.

The service will run weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal under an operator appointed by NEA, and take multiple groups on a single vessel.

Each application will cost $50 and covers up to six family members on the boat, NEA told The Straits Times in response to queries. The service operates on a communal basis and accommodates up to eight bereaved families on each vessel.

NEA said in a media release on Oct 12 that this was launched in response to the growing demand for ash scattering as the number of cremations rises. About 82% of those who die in Singapore are cremated.

The agency said the service aims to be a more affordable way to scatter ashes at sea. Inland ash scattering at NEA’s two gardens costs $320.

Over the two years, NEA will monitor uptake and gather feedback to assess the long-term viability of the service.

More details, including the scatter site, booking arrangements and procedures, will be released ahead of the start of operations in 2027.

NEA said that to ensure the service remains inclusive and respectful of all religious and cultural practices, bereaved families may arrange their commemorative rituals or prayers at appropriate locations of their choice outside the ferry terminal, either before or after the ferry service.

Chew Ming Fai, deputy chief executive and director-general of public health at NEA, said: “This pilot will make the scattering of ashes at sea more accessible, while allowing us to better understand the demand and shape the service to meet their needs.”

In a parliamentary reply on Oct 7, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said ash scattering at sea is currently offered by funeral service providers at a designated site about 3.2km east of Raffles Lighthouse.

She added that NEA does not track the take-up rate of sea scattering, but it is exploring ways to encourage the practice.

Families can also keep ashes in a niche at a columbarium or at home, or scatter them at inland facilities.

Since inland ash scattering was introduced in 2021, the take-up rate has grown steadily.

The proportion of cremations followed by ash scattering at inland facilities rose from about 7 per cent in 2022, the first full year of operation, to about 12 per cent in 2025.

The first inland facility, the Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, opened in May 2021. NEA told ST in 2025 that the number of people whose ashes had been scattered there rose from about 900 in 2021, a partial year, to more than 2,300 in 2024.

A second facility, the Garden of Serenity, opened at Mandai North Crematorium in August 2025.

A study by the Institute of Policy Studies at NUS found that about 42% of respondents preferred ash scattering as a post-death arrangement. Of this group, nearly two-thirds preferred sea scattering while the rest preferred inland scattering.

The study, conducted from 2023 to 2024, involved about 3,000 participants aged 21 and older.

Demand for after-death services is expected to grow as the population ages, NEA said. Annual deaths are projected to rise from about 26,500 in 2025 to around 40,000 by 2040.

The agency has been expanding capacity at government-managed facilities, including the opening of Mandai North Crematorium.

Study into energy infra on Pulau Tekong reclaimed land

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:36:32 +0000

A 200ha site on reclaimed land at Pulau Tekong is being studied for a possible energy infrastructure cluster. Comprising hydrogen-ready natural gas-fired power plants, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and other low-carbon energy technologies. A consultant is expected to be appointed by mid-2027 for the 2-year study.

Singapore currently relies on imported natural gas for 93% of its energy needs and produced about 13 gigawatts of electricity in the first half of 2025. The study will look into generating 6 gigawatts of domestic power generation and 2 gigawatts of electricity imports via three designated sea corridors. There are currently 13 electricity import projects in the works, with a combined capacity of more than 9 gigawatts. The projects cover solar, wind and hydropower from Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Australia. The study will also look into accommodating nine to 15 telecommunication submarine cables via three to five designated sea corridors connecting to the area within Pulau Tekong.

A Pulau Tekong site 40% the size of Sentosa could become an energy hub, EMA to study feasibility
The 200ha site could house hydrogen-ready natural gas-fired power plants, a liquefied natural gas terminal and other low-carbon energy technologies.
Renee Kuek Channel NewsAsia 06 Oct 2026 12:19PM(Updated: 06 Oct 2026 06:21PM)

SINGAPORE: A 200ha site on reclaimed land at Pulau Tekong – equivalent to about 40 per cent of Sentosa Island's land area – is being studied for a possible energy infrastructure cluster.

This could potentially house hydrogen-ready natural gas-fired power plants, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and other low-carbon energy technologies.

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) said on Tuesday (Oct 6) that it had published a tender a day earlier to appoint a consultant for a feasibility study, who will develop a proposed master plan for the cluster.

The selected consultant is expected to be appointed by mid-2027, and the study is estimated to take about two years.

During his National Day Rally speech in August, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that roughly 500ha of land on Pulau Tekong would remain available for future civilian uses after the Singapore Armed Forces' needs are met.

He added that the 500ha area was around the size of Toa Payoh town, although no decision had been made on how the land would be used.

Mr Wong previously highlighted the need for new power infrastructure as Singapore's energy needs grow. At Budget 2025, he said that the country needed more clean power to meet rising energy needs and reduce carbon emissions.

EMA said that the latest study is part of the government's efforts to assess potential land uses on Pulau Tekong while strengthening Singapore's energy security and supporting its energy transition.

In April, EMA launched a tender for up to three new hydrogen-ready natural gas-fired power plants to help meet rising electricity demand.

The latest version of the tender allows for up to five new electricity-generating units of at least 500 megawatts (MW) each in 2032.

The Economic Development Board has said that 600MW is enough to power more than 864,000 four-room flats for a year.

Singapore's electricity demand is expected to continue growing as the economy expands, with energy-intensive sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing and data centres among the drivers.

Based on EMA's latest projections, Singapore's power system peak demand is expected to grow by between 2.9 per cent and 6.5 per cent annually over the next 10 years.

By 2031, peak demand is forecast to reach between 9.9 gigawatts (GW) and 13GW.

EMA's chief executive officer Puah Kok Keong said in a statement on Tuesday: "Energy is a critical resource to support Singapore's continued development and growth.

"It is vital that we plan for our future energy infrastructure needs. If it materialises, the energy infrastructure cluster on Pulau Tekong will play an important role (in meeting) Singapore's growing energy needs."

Singapore has also been laying the groundwork for the adoption of hydrogen as a lower-carbon fuel, including studying the infrastructure, regulations and safety standards needed for its use in the power sector.

EMA has said that hydrogen could meet up to half of Singapore's projected electricity demand by 2050, depending on technological developments and other energy sources.

The country is also studying nuclear energy as another potential source of low-carbon power.

Editor's note: This article has been updated after the Energy Market Authority provided revised figures on Singapore's projected power demand, as well as updated details on new generating capacity planned for 2032.

S’pore mulls energy cluster on Tekong; including third LNG terminal and electricity import facilities
Shabana Begum Straits Times Oct 06, 2026, 02:50 PM

SINGAPORE – The military island of Pulau Tekong could potentially host Singapore’s third liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, hydrogen-compatible natural gas power plants and facilities for importing electricity.

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) on Oct 6 said it is studying the feasibility of building a 200ha energy infrastructure cluster on the island located off Singapore’s north-eastern coast, to strengthen the nation’s energy security and support its transition to greener energy sources.

This is equivalent to the size of 288 football fields.

EMA said: “Electricity demand in Singapore will grow as our economy continues to expand. While EMA studies the viability of diverse energy pathways, there is a need to plan ahead for new energy infrastructure to meet our long-term power demand.”

Singapore currently relies on imported natural gas, a fossil fuel, for about 93% of its energy needs.

It is currently building its second LNG terminal at Jurong Port. The terminal will be operational by the end of the decade. The Republic’s first LNG terminal began operations on Jurong Island in 2013.

But the country is also looking at alternative energy sources, including the use of hydrogen as a cleaner fuel, and importing electricity directly from its neighbours, to increase its energy security in a climate-friendly way.

To assess the feasibility of building an energy cluster on Pulau Tekong, EMA will appoint a consultant by mid-2027 to develop a proposed masterplan for the cluster. This study is expected to take two years to complete.

The Straits Times’ checks on tender documents published on Oct 5 on government procurement portal GeBiz showed that the study will assess the feasibility of accommodating approximately 6 gigawatts of domestic power generation and 2 gigawatts of electricity imports via three designated sea corridors.

For context, Singapore had the capacity to produce about 13 gigawatts of electricity in the first half of 2025. To date, Singapore has 13 electricity import projects in the works, with a combined capacity of more than 9 gigawatts. The projects cover solar, wind and hydropower from Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Australia.

The study will also look into accommodating nine to 15 telecommunication submarine cables via three to five designated sea corridors connecting to the area within Pulau Tekong.

EMA will share three development scenarios with the awarded consultant. Each scenario will outline key areas such as the type of energy mix, their capacity and proposed development timelines. The tender also mentions biomass and geothermal power plants.

The three scenarios will be shared only with the awarded consultant.

The consultant has to develop a masterplan for each scenario that identifies the optimal approach to use the 200ha of land for facilities including power plants, an LNG terminal, gas facilities, electricity import facilities, substations and a cable tunnel building, stated tender documents.

The feasibility study should also assess the technical, regulatory, environmental and aviation considerations linked to the proposed energy cluster.

During the National Day Rally in August, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that 500ha of land, about the size of Toa Payoh, could be set aside for civilian use on Pulau Tekong, with more reclamation works at the southern end of the island in the pipeline.

He also said studies are under way to see if it is feasible to build undersea tunnels linking the mainland to Pulau Tekong, to make it easier for people to reach the island.

EMA’s chief executive Puah Kok Keong said: “Energy is a critical resource to support Singapore’s continued development and growth. It is vital that we plan ahead for our future energy infrastructure needs.”

If the island’s energy cluster plan materialises, the cluster will play an important role to meet Singapore’s growing energy needs, he added.

Pulau Tekong could even be a second major energy cluster for Singapore, after Jurong Island, said Tan-Soo Jie Sheng, director of the Institute for Environment and Sustainability at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

It can be a multi-fuel energy hub, where some energy sources may have lower use because they serve as a back-up, instead of running all the time.

“But we gain energy resilience in return as we become less dependent on any single fuel, technology, supplier or geographical location,” Tan-Soo said.

Tekong’s location could also be advantageous for electricity imports from Riau Islands in Indonesia, he added.

While a potential third LNG terminal shows that natural gas is expected to remain an important part of Singapore’s energy mix for some time, more LNG import does not necessarily mean more gas consumption, Tan-Soo said.

Higher capacity for natural gas could provide energy security and flexibility, especially in crises, before greener alternatives are available at scale.

“LNG terminals and gas-fired power plants are long-lived investments, so ideally their economics should not depend on Singapore maintaining high levels of gas consumption for decades,” Tan-Soo added.

SGFish: free app to ID Singapore fishes

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 09:54:37 +0000

SGFish by the Ichthyological Society of S ingapore (ISS) can identify more than 900 species using an image recognition model. Users snap a photograph of their catch via the app, and the program will identify the species. It will also log down where each find was made.

It includes a pop-up feature that alerts users on what to do if a scanned fish is a protected, rare or harmful species. For example, if an endangered fish is caught, users are advised to release it. ISS co-founder Andriel Cheong hopes the database built from these records can inform environmental impact assessments, giving the authorities a clearer picture of marine biodiversity when planning coastal developments.

Angler’s Pokedex: Youth build free app to help identify and log Singapore’s fish
Ang Qing Straits Times Oct 04, 2026, 05:00 AM

SINGAPORE - Despite its busy straits, Singapore’s position near one of the world’s most biodiverse marine areas has allowed it to yield a surprising variety of fishes, though their significance is occasionally lost on those who catch them.

Such was the case at Bedok Jetty in August, when an angler mistook a globally endangered zonetail butterfly ray (Gymnura zonura) for the average stingray. The butterfly ray is distinguished by its wide, triangular body and short tail, compared with the rounder body and long tail of more common stingrays.

Fellow fishing enthusiast Brian Sng, a Singapore Management University software engineering student, quickly realised the value of the catch from the photo he was shown, and informed the angler of his rare find.

To avoid these cases of mistaken identities, Sng, 21, and a group of fellow enthusiasts interested in the scientific study of fish built a free mobile app to help people identify the fishes that live in Singapore’s murky waters.

On Sept 17, the Ichthyological Society of S ingapore (ISS), which has more than 150 members, launched SGFish on the Apple App Store. The app can identify more than 900 species using an image recognition model.

Users snap a photograph of their catch via the app, and the program will identify the species. It will also log down where each find was made.

To maintain scientific integrity, volunteers and co-founders of the society will manually verify all submitted records before they are officially logged into a database.

Currently, the database has about 2,300 observations covering more than 400 species. Before the launch of the app, this database was compiled using a Telegram bot built by volunteer and fellow app developer Samuel Pua, a 36-year-old cybersecurity professional.

The bot was dubbed Angler’s Pokedex, a reference to the portable electronic encyclopaedia from hit franchise Pokemon that is used to identify and record new monsters encountered.

Pua said the team decided to develop the app partly because time and location details could not be extracted from images submitted on Telegram, making it difficult to pinpoint data accurately.

To build the app’s computer vision model, Sng, who is the lead developer of the mobile app, collated and vetted more than 90,000 photos of fish species found near Singapore and neighbouring waters. These were sourced from international databases, society members and his own photos.

It took two months to train the model with his dataset until it reached an 82.7% accuracy rate, said Sng, who was working on this while studying. He noted that it is more accurate than the model created by the US-based flora and fauna database iNaturalist, which has an accuracy rate of about 80% for fish across the world.

Novice anglers can sometimes mistake dangerous fish for harmless ones or lack awareness of sustainable fishing practices, the developers told The Straits Times.

This prompted them to include a pop-up feature that alerts users on what to do if a scanned fish is a protected, rare or harmful species. For example, if an endangered fish is caught, users are advised to release it.

To minimise the risk of incorrect identifications, the app shows the top five predictions of the scanned fish’s identity, ranked according to how similar they are to the specimen. Users then finalise the identity of species by selecting one of the options.

For convenience in the field, the app uses a lightweight offline model for quick identifications when mobile connections are spotty, alongside a more accurate online version.

To reel recreational anglers in, the app also includes tide data to indicate the best times to go fishing. A fish encyclopaedia was also included, added fellow developer Guan Chen Di, a 22-year-old computer science student at Nanyang Technological University.

“One of the most complex hurdles we faced was how to maximise and condense a variety of information onto a tiny phone screen,” he said, adding that the team figured out how to seamlessly fit the image, species and catch method into a single view.

In future updates, the developers hope to make the app available on the Google Play Store and incorporate the initial Telegram bot’s popular gamification elements, such as a high-score board that recognises users who record the highest diversity of unique species.

Fish biologist Jeffrey Kwik said citizen science initiatives like the SGFish app can help supplement fish surveys involving diving or snorkelling, which rely heavily on good water visibility.

Spotting and counting fish populations visually in Singapore is particularly challenging owing to the Republic’s murky waters.

“This is exacerbated for well-camouflaged species or species that find refuge in associated marine habitats like seagrass and corals, which are even harder to spot,” said the associate professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology.

Records from anglers are particularly useful for covering large survey areas, Kwik added, as gathering detailed, wide-ranging data through official surveys requires significant resources.

Even with potential biases from hook sizes or bait types, data from anglers is useful for supplementing species lists and tracking the distribution of fish, he said.

As the community logs more observations, ISS co-founder Andriel Cheong hopes the database built from these records can inform environmental impact assessments, giving the authorities a clearer picture of marine biodiversity when planning coastal developments.

Beyond recreational fishing and divers, the team hopes the public will use the app to learn about fishes.

“We encourage the average person to test it out on everyday sightings of fish, such as those you see in the market, just to learn more about the varieties of fish that can be found in our local markets,” said Cheong, noting that this could promote more conscious consumption of seafood.

The app joins a growing list of community-led wildlife databases in Singapore.

In 2021, for instance, a group of seasoned birders and scientists was formed to review records of species rarely encountered in Singapore and made such sightings available in the Singapore Bird Database.

Sharing Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal shores with youth leads

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 06:17:00 +0000

An amazing coral reef has naturally settled on the seawalls of Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with seagrasses in the artificial lagoon. These happened without planting. They are the babies from unseen Mother Shores that lie in the far west.

We shared these with youth leads and hope they will be inspired to bring others to see other East Coast shores too. This shore is now strictly off limits without a permit. But we felt the youth leads should have a chance to see for themselves. The visit was arranged with permission.

This is part of Love Our Mother Shores. And how to Explore, Express and Act for them.

Thanks to Nasry for kickstarting the visit with an overview of the shore, using Google Earth. Thanks also to Jayden for organising the participation, sad that he could not come in the end.

We started at the lagoon to look at the seagrasses there. There is a thick pile of marine debris on the high shore. More about where this trash is likely to come from.

Grateful to have Lon who knows more about East Coast marine life than anyone else I know. And Richard, an experienced and professional nature guide. Thanks to them and Nasry, we saw Spider conch, Big top shell snail and small turban snail, sand dollars dead and alive, Common sea star. Thanks also to Samuel, who found a nudibranch! The seagrasses were doing well.

We rushed over the reefy seawall at the minimum of a not-so-low tide. It was a little hard to see the full extent of the corals. Hope the team got a sense of it. Thanks to Lon and Nasry for sharing more about them.

Where did all these corals come from?

The babies of these corals are from Singapore reefs! This chart shared in the Long-Term Plan Review shows coral larvae (babies) dispersal in our waters from mass coral spawning. This highlights the importance of protecting our 'mother reefs' so that they can continue to produce babies that settle all along our shoreline.

Thanks to everyone for making time for the brief visit despite not ideal tides! This is what we saw on a good low tide in May 2026. If you would like to join the effort to share about East Coast shores that have regenerated from babies of our Mother Shores, do consider joining the October talk and guiding workshop.

What is the fate of this shore?

Massive reclamation is planned near the area we surveyed today as outlined recently in the Long-Term Plan Review.

Let's guide for our Mother Shores: Oct workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 02:22:51 +0000

Join a talk about Our Mother Shores, participate in a hands-on workshop, then go on a field session at the coral reefs and seagrass meadows at East Coast Park.

Discover how to have fun being a nature guide. Then start sharing your love for nature! So more can learn about our Mother Shores and their babies that have resettled naturally on artificial shores in East Coast Park.

Places are limited by room size: register here

If there is interest, this can be organised again for November (and even December). So don't stress if you cannot make it for this October series.

You can also visit East Coast Park shores on your own. Here's more details.

More about Love Our Mother Shores. And how to Explore, Express and Act for them.

Public talk: "Love Our Mother Shores"
Date: 24 Oct (Sat) 10am-12.30pm
Venue: https://www.juspace.sg/
116 Lavender Street, #02-08, Singapore 338730
Near Bendemeer and Lavendar MRT

At East Coast Park, there are coral reefs, seagrass meadows and even mangroves. Growing on seawalls and artificial lagoons. These came from babies produced by the vast unseen natural shores in the west. These are our Mother Shores, continuously seeding new life in our southern waters. From Tuas to Tanah Merah, and the smaller Southern islands in between. Ria will share what she has seen at the Mother Shores and their babies at East Coast Park. What is their fate with plans for Long Island and 'Western Island'? Let's discuss!

Attendance at the talk, priority to those attending the guiding workshop.

The talk will be opened to others once the guiding workshop places are full.

Classroom workshop: "Let's Guide for Our Mother Shores!"
Date: 25 Oct (Sun) 10am-1pm
Venue: https://www.juspace.sg/
116 Lavender Street, #02-08, Singapore 338730
Near Bendemeer and Lavendar MRT

Always wanted to be a nature guide? Want to have fun guiding, instead of being stressed? This workshop is for you! With lots of hands-on activities. Brainstorm ways to overcome your deepest nature guiding worries. First timers and existing nature guides are welcomed. Let's share and learn from each other.

NOTE: The classroom workshop will include ZERO information about our shores. For background information, it is recommended that you attend the "Love Our Mother Shores" public talk on 24 Oct (Sat).

The Outdoor Field Sessions will test your newfound approach at an East Coast shore.

Outdoor Field Sessions
Priority to field sessions to those who attended the talk on 24 Oct (Sat) and classroom workshop on 25 Oct (Sun). You can attend both field sessions or just one.

28 Oct (Wed): East Coast PCN
Time: 4pm-8pm

Meeting Point: Park area opposite the gate to National Service Resort And Country Club (NSRCC)
10 Changi Coast Walk 499739

29 Oct (Thu): East Coast National Sailing Centre

Time: 5.30pm-8pm
Meeting Point: Carpark G National Sailing Centre, 1500 East Coast Parkway 468963

Semakau fish farm finally to be removed?

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:56:10 +0000

Said to be the largest in Singapore, this fish farm near Pulau Semakau is finally going to be dismantled and removed. More than three years after the farm was abandoned.

Photo taken on our last survey in Apr 2026.

Barramundi Group's abandoned fish farm is located very close to natural mangroves, reefs and seagrass meadows at Pulau Semakau North. We have checked it out every time we survey there. On our last survey in Apr 2026, the farm remains totally abandoned and in a state of decay. Since our Apr 2025 survey, the big barge with equipment and supplies, and floating dorm for workers were gone. Cages were falling apart and derelict small boats nearby.

In Jul 2023, it was reported that Barramundi Group will stop stocking its sites off Pulau Semakau, Pulau Senang and St John’s Island until “an efficacious vaccine is available” against the scale drop disease virus (SDDV). SDDV was first formally described in Singapore farmed fish in 2011 and can kill more than half of the barramundi raised in a cage. The virus has caused “significant mortalities and financial losses” for Barramundi Group's Singapore operations, which recorded a loss of $31.9 million for FY2022.

An MPA notice announced that works will be conducted end of the year, to dismantle the farm.

From Port Marine Notice NO. 109 OF 2026 dated 2 Sep 2026

REINSTATEMENT FOR FARM SPACES KELONG AT:

a) EASTERN JOHOR STRAITS (E63); AND

b) SEA-BED FARM OFF PULAU SEMAKAU (PSM1)

Applicable to: Mariners operating in the vicinity Off Eastern Johor Straits and Off

Pulau Semakau

Date : With effect from 02 Sep 2026 to 31 Dec 2026.

Location : At sea within the working area bounded by the following coordinates (see

attached Chartlet):

a. Mobilize the plant, equipment and materials. Carry out water quality testing. Install the silt curtain around the designated work area.

b. Remove and demolish the above water structure, section by section. Certified divers will be deployed to remove underwater structures.

c. Bundle the demolished debris on site and load it onto the barge for transportation and remove silt curtain and load onto barge.

d. Transport the debris and unload it at the approved disposal facility.

The above process will continue until the completion of the reinstatement works.

A safety boat will attend all times to warn and re-direct craft in the vicinity to keep clear of the working area.

Further enquiries relating to the project can be directed to Mr. Lai Wee Siong, Project Manager at Tel: 9474 7522 Email: franklai@oung.com.sg or Mr. Ho Goon Yeen, Asst. Project Manager at Tel: 8347 3266 Email:goonyeen@oung.com.sg

Sharing Marina East mangroves with youth leads

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 03:08:00 +0000

A patch of wild mangroves has settled naturally on the Marine East seawall! We shared these with youth leads and hope they will be inspired to bring others to see it too. This is part of Love our Mother Shores: visit baby mangroves in the East!

We went at a high tide (about 2m) and it was still possible to see a lot of things. Thanks to Nasry for sharing about the mangrove plants and their ecology.

Photo by Jayden Kang.

Thanks to Jayden for organising the event, and special thanks for flying the drone and giving us awesome views of these mangroves with MBS and the Central Business District. WOW!

Along the way, we pass the much smaller mangrove that has settled on the lower portion of the seawall. They seem to be doing well, with fiddler crabs and other little animals living there. The high tide also seems to result in a much large pool collecting on the lower seawall. Lon noted probably this is because the lower seawall sloped downward at the base of the upper seawall. Who says Singapore doesn't have rock pools to explore!

The grasslands at the top of the seawall is also full of life. With wildflowers of all kinds. As well as a very large Mangrove fern in the middle of the patch - suggesting it is a wet area which probably shelters birds and wildlife. Even if we can't see animals, we come across signs of them, like the shell of freshwater snails eaten by birds, or poop - maybe of civet cat? Thanks to Jeff and Jayden for sharing more about the amazing birds that can be seen here.

As we approached the mangrove area at the eastern end of the seawall, it was rather alarming to see a gap in the treeline, with excavators and cleared land. When we got closer, the work seems limited to clearing the edges of the canal. It seems they mainly killed the Rhu/Casuarina trees, and stopped short of the mangrove area.

Aerial view of the clearance, thanks to Jayden's drone. Mangroves are spared (for now?).

Photo by Jayden Kang.

Amazingly, this tiny patch of mangroves has some plants now rare in Singapore. We managed to show all of them to our friends. The Critically Endangered Gedabu was producing flower buds and had nice healthy fruits. The huge (about 2m tall) Critically endangered Mentigi is still huge and had some flowers. The small Critically Endangered Tumu Berau was fine, producing fat propagules. Nasry found the fruit of Nyireh - the highlight of the trip. I rarely see one. Nearby, we saw a Endangered Nyireh batu. I also came across a few red Saga seeds, probably from a tree growing further inland. The Saga tree grows by the sea but cannot stand in saltwater like mangroves do.

The usual common mangrove trees and plants were still there and doing well.

The aerial view of this same spot is stunning!

Photo by Jayden Kang.

There seemed to be a much higher load of marine litter today. Perhaps it's the usual seasonal inflow of trash. Do they eventually flow out again? Because on our part visits, the load didn't seem so high.

What is the fate of this shore?

There will be massive 800ha reclamation for 'Long Island' off the East Coast.

The preparatory works already begun. They involve removal of seabed obstructions, construction of temporary sand bunds and sand infilling. Phase 1 will begin end-2026, while Phase 2 will take place after the end of the SEA Games 2029.

More photos by Jayden Kang including drone views

Love Our Mother Shores: Help make nudibranchs!

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:30:00 +0000

These handmade nudibranchs are given out as prizes and gifts during Love our Mother Shores events: talks, walks, exhibitions.

I need help making lots of them as we try to share with as many people as possible about Our Mother Shores.

You are the person to help us if

You Love Our Mother Shores and her Babies.
You can thread a needle and knot it in 30secs.
You love hand sewing (these nudis cannot be made by machine sewing)
Have time to produce at least 60 nudibranchs a month.

Sign up here!

All materials will be provided.

I will arrange a few group sessions at a central location for volunteers to learn how to do this. But will leave it to you to make them on your own. I will pick up your nudis when you have a good quantity completed.

More about Love Our Mother Shores
https://www.wildsingapore.com/mothershores/index.html

Any questions, please contact me, Ria Tan
hello@wildsingapore.com
or FB messenger https://www.facebook.com/wildsingapore/

Nudibranch Factory is launched

Yesterday, with more than 20 volunteers. Coming together to learn how to make nudis and seastars. Braving the hazardous haze levels, to work in an open air site, they came bringing family and friends. Despite my very bad training effort, most achieved good standards! Better than my previous teaching attempts. They took home kits to make nudis and seastars. Thank you everyone!

Special thanks to Wai Mei and Nicole and other who were there early, to help set up. And super special thanks to Shawn for taking photos and coming up with a How-To-Guide! I am too lazy to do one and prefer to shout at people on the spot (sorry). Thanks also to Ivy who offered to come to the next group session to help me teach.

There will be more sessions in November. I cannot take anymore people for group sessions in October. Mainly because I have run our of materials and it takes time for these to be delivered.

Once again, thank you for showing up for Our Mother Shores!

For more about the different kinds of marine animals I have made from socks over the years, see this Flickr album

Love Our Mother Shores: EXPLORE!

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:44:00 +0000

Visit and see for yourself. Bring your family and friends!

The survey team's Family Day at Pulau Hantu.

Choose from leisurely island visits for the family, to low tide walks and dives. On Mother Shores and her babies on the East Coast.

Community organised visits are happening spontaneously!

Established companies are offering low-tide walks to Pulau Hantu.

You can visit some East Coast shores on your own.

More details on all these below.

More about Love Our Mother Shores. And how to Explore, Express and Act for them.
Pulau Hantu

Low-tide exploration at Pulau Hantu for families and kids offered by Young Nautilus at cost, covering only logistics, manpower and transport. In doing so, they hope communities can experience, appreciate, and understand the importance of our intertidal biodiversity in the face of the 'Western Island' plan.

Visit on your own!

Marina East Mangroves
In the shadow of Marina Bay Sands, a small mangrove has settled on top of the seawall. With animals commonly seen in mature mangroves. As well as some rare mangrove plants. These are the babies of vast unseen Mother Shores in the west. Anyone can visit this amazing mangrove at almost any tide! Where and what will you see? More details.

East Coast Park Sailing Centre, NSRCC and PCN canal
East Coast Park shores are easy for ordinary people to explore at low spring tide. Amazing marine life have naturally regenerated on these artificial shores. There are living sandy shores, seagrass meadows and even patches of coral reefs! But beware of the Stonefish. More details.

Love Our Mother Shores: EXPRESS

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:42:18 +0000

Share about Our Mother Shores. Especially after your visit. Your friends trust you more than any other source, you have the power to influence them!

Sharing after Family Day at Pulau Hantu.

Speak up for our shores. Agencies now actively seek your feedback online and at in-person engagements. Make time to attend and share your thoughts and hopes.

Latest agency engagement opportunities will be listed here.

More about Love Our Mother Shores. And how to Explore, Express and Act for them.
Here's some heartfelt hopes and dreams for Pulau Hantu after a Family Day visit in Sep 2026. From the littlest ones and the youths, to the young at heart. Full photos in this flickr album Pulau Hantu Guestbook.

Love Our Mother Shores: ACT!

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:40:39 +0000

Here are the latest ways you CAN make a difference for Love Our Mother Shores.

Join the October guiding workshops to start guiding! more

Volunteer to be a nature guide. Help to monitor shores. Contribute your time and talent in any and all ways!

Be a leader! Community organisers needed to initiate walks, talks, exhibitions, booths.

Support by hosting such events. Volunteer to help out.

Have an idea but don't know how to start?
I will gladly try to help you out. Contact Ria hello@wildsingapore.com or on Facebook messenger.

Want to list your activity?
Glad to do so. Contact Ria hello@wildsingapore.com or on Facebook messenger.

List of latest opportunities below.

More about Love Our Mother Shores. And how to Explore, Express and Act for them.

Current volunteer opportunities

Volunteers needed to handsew nudibranch plushies for Love Our Mother Shores events. More details here

Upcoming activities

October 2026

24-29 Oct: Let's Guide for Our Mother Shores! more

24 Oct (Sat): "Love Our Mother Shores" talk by Ria Tan

25 Oct (Sun): Classroom Workshop

Outdoor field sessions

28 Oct (Wed): 5pm-8pm at an East Coast location.

29 Oct (Thu): 5pm-8pm at an East Coast location.

Apr 2027

9-11 Apr: "Heart of Our Mother Shores" booth at ADEX
Volunteers will reach out to divers about Pulau Hantu. More details later.

Completed

Nature Guiding Workshop with Republic Poly, Sep 2026

Love Our Mother Shores pamphlets

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:13:26 +0000

10,000 copies coming soon! One side of the pamphlet showcases the amazing corals, seagrasses and mangroves that have settled naturally on the East Coast. Even at the doorstep of condos.

New shores at East Coast Park
click on image for larger view

The other side of the pamphlet highlights Our Mother Shores, the vast unseen natural shores in the west. And how they continuously seed new life in our southern waters. From Tuas, East Coast Park to Tanah Merah, and the smaller Southern islands in between.

Mother Shores and how their babies seed the southern waters.
click on image for larger view.

The pamphlets will be given out free at talks, walks, exhibitions. Hoping they will be ready for the talk and guiding workshops I am planning in October!

If you would like copies to give out, do contact Ria Tan hello@wildsingapore.com.

More about Love Our Mother Shores. And how to Explore, Express and Act for them.

The cover of the pamphlet highlights the corals growing on the seawalls at East Coast Park. While the back of the pamphlet outlines how each of us CAN make a difference. Links to more info are consolidated on wildsingapore's Love Our Mother Shores page. As well as on Nature Hungry.

You open the pamphlet to a map of the area affected by the 'Western Island' plan announced on 23 Aug 2026. It highlights that Our Mother Shores are old and irreplaceable: “Reefs at Pulau Hantu and Pulau Semakau are 8,000 years old. Corals that can be transplanted will not come close to what we now have. The 'Western Island' plan could impact the majority of Singapore’s remaining natural coral reefs.” Quoting Dr Huang Danwei, Director of NIMOS, 25 Aug 2026. Also that Our Mother Shores are rich, despite reclamation since the mid-1970’s which buried many south-western reefs, adding 1,700ha. Reefs, vast seagrass meadows and untouched mangroves remain. With photos and inserts that highlight natural Pulau Semakau north and east, as well as Pulau Jong - the last unspoilt island.

The middle of the pamphlet features the Heart of our Mother Shores! Pulau Hantu is the only Mother Shore that the public can easily visit. Allowing regular people to explore the amazing reefs at low tide, to diving and snorkelling. Also, how Our Mother Shores are tough: “Reefs of Pulau Hantu, Pulau Semakau persist in the face of human activity. They recovered from global-scale coral bleaching events in 1998, 2010, 2016 and 2024." Quoting Dr Huang Danwei, Director of NIMOS, 25 Aug 2026. Photos and inserts highlight dugong feeding trails, and mangroves settling naturally on seawalls at Pulau Hantu.

The last panel of the inside page explains how babies from Our Mother Shores spread out in the currents. From government data that shows how coral babies spread from during Mass Coral Spawning to settle in our southern waters. Including artificial structures on the mainland from Tuas to Tanah Merah. Also explaining how marine babies look nothing like adults. Just as a caterpillar changes into a butterfly, corals and marine life babies often look nothing like the adults. Born as tiny blobs and bits, they float in the currents. Before finally changing into their adult form when they settle down. Often on shores far away. Besides animal babies, seagrass seeds and mangrove seedlings also float away from Mother Shores. To settle on our southern islands and mainland shores, forming new mangroves and seagrass meadows.

The outside page gives glimpses of the amazing seagrasses and mangroves that have settled naturally on artificial shores in the shadow of Marina Bay Sands. And awesome reefs that settled at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and a 2.5 km long seawall from East Coast Area B to Marina Bay.

Can ‘Long Island’ become Singapore’s ‘Great Barrier Reef’?! Although ‘Long Island’ may destroy all existing regenerated corals, mangroves and seagrasses. Our Mother Shores in the west may make it possible for marine life to return eventually. As it did after the first reclamation in the 1970s. How exciting if we could watch a new reef settle on ‘Long Island’ naturally, for free, without planting! Uniquely Singapore!

The pamphlets will be given out free at talks, walks, exhibitions.

If you would like copies to give out, do contact Ria Tan hello@wildsingapore.com

More info and events on wildsingapore's Love Our Mother Shores page. As well as on Nature Hungry.

$60m NIMOS to help “make good decisions supported by science”

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:40:00 +0000

NIMOS director Huang Danwei hopes the institute can help decision-makers weigh the value and services that ecosystems provide, especially for the upcoming Long Island and western island developments.

Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat, said NIMOS will help Singapore “make good decisions supported by science”. Said Chee: “I think members of the marine research and conservation community would agree with me that this is something that we need to do our best, to preserve as much as possible to minimise the impact as far as we can.”

New $60m marine science institute launched to help Singapore, region with ocean challenges
Ang Qing Straits Times Sep 22, 2026, 01:00 PM

SINGAPORE – A landmark national research initiative on marine science was officially launched on Sept 22, with a remit to help Singapore and the broader South-east Asian region deal with challenges ranging from coastal development to climate change.

The $60 million National Institute for Marine and Ocean Sciences, dubbed NIMOS, was established by the National Parks Board (NParks) with the National University of Singapore (NUS).

This builds on two earlier marine research programmes, which were funded to the tune of $25 million each. The five-year programmes focused more on applying science to domestic challenges, such as identifying sustainable engineering measures and solutions to create new marine habitats.

The launch event for NIMOS at the NUS University Hall Auditorium was attended by Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat, as well as some 150 other guests, including researchers, university representatives and government officials.

NIMOS director Huang Danwei, a coral biologist, said the launch of the new institute comes as several changes are expected in Singapore’s sea spaces. Regionally, too, the waters of South-east Asia are under stress from coastal development and climate change.

Huang pointed to the recently announced plans for a new western island in Singapore as an example of how partnerships between scientists and government agencies will be paramount for securing a sustainable sea space for the country.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had in August announced plans to merge several southern islands to reclaim a new western island for industry, energy and defence needs.

At the same time, Singapore will soon welcome its second marine park at the nearby Lazarus-South Kusu reef. This park was first announced in May 2024, but has not been officially gazetted.

Said Huang: “As a small, highly urbanised island nation at the centre of one of the world’s most intensively used marine regions, Singapore can serve as a living laboratory for the future of tropical coastal environments.

“Our goal is therefore larger than understanding Singapore’s seas. It is to develop the science and tools for sustaining marine ecosystems alongside economic development – solutions that Singapore can demonstrate locally and contribute to a rapidly changing South-east Asia.”

He noted that coastal cities in South-east Asia are expanding and becoming more urbanised, taking the path that Singapore took years earlier.

Huang added that the Republic has played a prominent role in the High Seas Treaty, a hard-fought global deal that aims to protect the marine life of two-thirds of the ocean.

Speaking to the media at the launch event, Huang said he hopes NIMOS can help decision-makers weigh the value and services that ecosystems provide, especially for the upcoming Long Island and western island developments.

Long Island will be reclaimed off the East Coast shoreline to create new land while serving as a buffer to protect the country from rising sea levels.

NUS said in a statement that NIMOS will start by operating as a virtual institute while its longer-term facilities are being developed.

NIMOS’ permanent home on the NUS campus is expected to be ready by 2028, and will include wet science laboratory facilities and collaborative office space for project teams.

Huang said NIMOS will not compete for limited funding and resources through competitive grant calls.

Instead, research teams will be assembled to take on projects co-developed by principal investigators, NIMOS and NParks.

Outlining the objectives of NIMOS for the years ahead, Huang said it will develop tools to enable marine ecosystems to withstand multiple stressors while continuing to provide the essential services on which Singapore relies, among other things. Ecosystems provide natural benefits like improving water quality and supporting populations of marine life.

The objectives include understanding which organisms and processes are critical for maintaining ecosystem functions, and whether ecosystems are performing the functions society depends on.

Over the next decade, NUS and NIMOS will also offer 22 post-graduate research scholarships supporting the growth of local expertise and projects.

Addressing guests, Chee said NIMOS will help Singapore “make good decisions supported by science”.

On the western island, he noted that it is important for the Republic to plan ahead for its future strategic national needs even as it recognises that the area is rich in biodiversity.

Said Chee: “I think members of the marine research and conservation community would agree with me that this is something that we need to do our best, to preserve as much as possible to minimise the impact as far as we can.”

He added that NIMOS’ work can deepen Singapore’s understanding of the marine environment, assess the choices and trade-offs, and help make informed decisions about how its limited marine space is used.

NIMOS’ approach will help the Republic better understand the cumulative effects of climate change, human activity and other pressures on Singapore’s marine environment over time, he added.

He pointed out that the waters around Singapore have always been important to its development as a nation.

“How we understand, protect and manage them will become even more important in the decades ahead as the demands on our limited marine space continue to grow,” said Chee.

“Our investments in marine science today are therefore investments in Singapore’s future. The better we understand our marine environment, the better equipped we will be to make sound decisions.”

NIMOS’ projects will be grounded on existing marine research projects, according to Huang.

These initiatives were funded by Singapore’s previous research programmes and local universities. Several of them were showcased at the launch.

They include a project by NUS Assistant Professor Tang Hao which took stock of how much planet-warming carbon dioxide can be absorbed by Singapore’s mangroves and seagrasses.

These habitats have been impacted by past land reclamation and coastal development works.

About 16 per cent of ecosystems lost between 1986 and 2005 have naturally recovered or been restored, he said, citing Pulau Semakau as an example of the successful replanting of mangroves to sequester carbon.

The island was also highlighted for harbouring one of the three largest seagrass meadows here by NTU research fellow Clarence Sim who is studying the resilience of such ecosystems.

“I think we can look at Singapore from an optimistic point of view where we still have a bank of very resilient habitats... making it a hot spot for finding super-resilient seagrasses and corals,” added the scientist, who was awarded a scholarship under the Marine Science Research and Development Programme.

Another project, led by biologist Zeehan Jaafar, found that Singapore’s offshore islands in the Singapore Strait south of the mainland are important homes and feeding grounds for marine mammals, especially dugongs.

NParks’ group director for the National Biodiversity Centre, Karenne Tun, said NIMOS will help translate science to management strategies, informing environmental impact assessments with the latest science.

She said “One of the biggest issues that we need to face moving forward is the way climate change is going to interact with (man-made) impacts.

“We know that research is showing that in about 25 years time, our waters are going to exceed some of the thermal tolerance limits... so we have about two decades to find solutions.”

Love Our Mother Shores: visit baby mangroves in the East!

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:54:24 +0000

In the shadow of Marina Bay Sands, a small patch of wild mangrove has settled on top of the seawall. With animals commonly seen in mature mangroves. As well as some rare mangrove plants.

These are the babies of vast unseen Mother Shores in the west. Anyone can visit this amazing mangrove at almost any tide! Even at 2m high. Where and what will you see? More details below.

A good variety of the usual common mangrove trees can be found here. Including the usual animals seen in mature mangroves, such as Mud lobsters and their mounds!

Rhu or Casuarina trees (Casuarina equisetifolia) form a thick border outside of the mangrove area. The seeds sprout in hot, open sand above the high-water mark and the young plants grow quickly, often form a thicket that eventually forms a Casuarina forest. The trees cannot tolerate salt water, the way that mangroves can. So the margin between mangroves and Casuarina probably reveals the limit of seawater intrusion into the reclaimed land.

Amazingly, this tiny mangrove patch has some very rare mangrove plants. The highlight is the huge (about 2m tall) Critically endangered Mentigi (Pemphis acidula). The stronghold for this plant is Pulau Biola, just off Raffles Lighthouse (Pulau Samutu). Referring to the list of mangrove plants recorded by the Southern Island Biodiversity Survey (SIBS) 2025 this plant also occurs on Mother Shores Pulau Salu and Pulau Semakau.

There is one small Critically Endangered Tumu Berau (Bruguiera sexangula). This might be the first record of this species in the South as it was not recorded in SIBS. It is not common even on our northern mangroves.

Also a small Critically Endangered Gedabu (Sonneratia ovata) tree. These are mainly found in our northern mangroves. SIBS records this at Pulau Semakau.

There is also small sapling of Endangered Dungun (Heritiera littoralis). SIBS records this at Pulau Semakau.

There are also a few small Endangered Tengar merah (Ceriops zippeliana) SIBS also records this at Mother Shores like Pulau Hantu and Pulau Semakau.

There are also tall Endangered Teruntum merah (Lumnitzera littorea) trees, some small Chengam (Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea) shrubs. There also also some well formed Nyireh bunga (Xylocarpus granatum) complete with lovely sinuous buttress roots.

There are small Vulnerable Bakau pasir (Rhizophora stylosa).

As well as Tumu (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) and some Bakau minyak (Rhizophora apiculata) from shrubs to very tall trees.

There are many great specimens of common mangroves, tall Bakau putih (Bruguiera cylindrica) and Api-api bulu (Avicennia rumphiana) (plus many smaller ones of these two species), many small Api-api putih (Avicennia alba).

Also several tall Perepat trees (Sonneratia alba), and many small to medium sized Vulnerable Nipah palms (Nipah fruticans) as well as Buta-buta (Excoecaria agallocha) shrubs.

Animals encountered

There are the usual fiddler crabs, little mangrove snails. We also encountered otters here before. As well as many different birds.

Some Malaysian Plovers nest on the seawall at Marina East. Laying eggs directly on the rocks, no twigs - so watch your step! There are also many other kinds of birds in the mangrove forest.

Photo by Jayden Kang

How to get there

From Marina East Park, simply walk eastward (towards East Coast Park) along the top of the seawall until you reach the forested area of tall Casuarina trees.

Along the way, you might have a look at a much smaller mangrove that has settled on the lower portion of the seawall. But be careful, the lower seawall is quite slippery.

At high tide, large pools collect on this lower seawall. Who says Singapore doesn't have rock pools! But be careful, the lower seawall is quite slippery.

The grasslands at the top of the seawall is also full of life. With wildflowers of all kinds. As well as a very large Mangrove fern in the middle of the patch. Even if you can't see animals, you might come across signs of them, like the shell of freshwater snails eaten by birds, or poop - maybe of civet cat?

Location of the mangroves is in the yellow circle. Mangroves on this artificial shore seems to be quite resilient and has survived massive development as well as the Pasir Panjang oil spill and other impacts.

Looking at Google Earth over the years, it seems there was always a wild patch in that area since 2007, remaining there despite the massive works in the area through the decades. To me, it seems the area became more conducive to mangrove settlement after the jetty was constructed in 2014. This created an 'elbow' and a small beach on the eastern most end of the seawall.

The mangroves and seagrasses on this artificial shore have returned after every massive coastal works. These are the mangroves seen near the Marina Barrage in 2008. Growing on the western most end in the seawall. These were lost due to works for the MCE.

What is the fate of this shore?

There will be massive 800ha reclamation for 'Long Island' off the East Coast. The preparatory works already begun.

Natural regeneration on Singapore's artificial shores and structures is already happening now. Unintentionally, with zero replanting. Can we plan coastal works to allow reefs, mangroves and seagrasses to naturally regenerate? Imagine what's possible! Reefs and natural marine ecosystems at our doorstep, for all in the City to enjoy.

Finding your way to Marina East Park
MRT: Brown Line Gardens by the Bay station. Cross Marina Barrage to Marina East Park.
Cab: drop off at Marina East Park via Marina East Drive.
Drive: Park at Marina Barrage. Cross Marina Barrage to Marina East Park.

Check for closure of Barrage (thus preventing crossing) and other activities in the vicinity.
https://www.pub.gov.sg/Public/Places-of-Interest/Marina-Barrage/Notices

Preparing for a visit

Safety on the shore!

Lighting and rain: Immediately evacuate to one of the park shelters at the first signs of the weather turning bad. Lightning can occur without rain. Get the latest weather situation here: radar readings updated every 10 mins.

Don't touch! All animals defend themselves from predators or they will be eaten up and soon become extinct. Some of these animal defences can cause humans irritation, pain or even worse injuries and death. As with any nature walk, it is important to respect the wildlife: do not touch animals, don't poke them, leave them alone. Cover all skin that can be exposed to the water; wear covered shoes. Do not walk on bare feet. Closely supervise young children who may accidentally touch animals, then rub their eyes or put fingers into the mouth.

At the same time, our visit also affects the safety of the shores. Our shores are fragile. Many small sea creatures live in the sand and mud. These are killed when we step on them, no matter how gently we walk. These small sea creatures form the base of the entire food chain on our shores. Seagrass have delicate roots and take a long time to recover when trampled on.

If we are not careful, we can damage the shore when we visit. Be gentle. Watch your step. Avoid wading into deeper murky waters as you won't be able to see what you are stepping on. Don't poke animals or dig them up or bring them home. Take only photos.

Sharing your photos is one way to give back for the damage you cause to the shore. No matter how careful you are, you will cause some damage.

MORE tips for safety on our shores and FAQs about shore visits.

Links to more

East Coast Park - Surprising intertidal adventures for the family
Posts about the Long Island project
Our surveys of Marina East mangroves and seagrasses
Southern Island Biodiversity Survey (SIBS) 2025 by NParks

Preparatory Works for Long Island: Update by HDB

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:42:02 +0000

HDB updated its environmental study with more data on fish communities, horseshoe crabs and sea turtles. The impact on these 'unlikely to be significant'. Agencies will work closely with experts to explore measures to minimise harm to nesting turtles during the preparatory works.

Works will be conducted at least 130m away from the shoreline. Infill materials, which include sand, will be placed in a controlled manner using a pipeline system, minimising disturbance to shallow shoreline habitats. A timeline for when the works will commence has not been revealed.

HDB will explore creating suitable habitats along the future coastline to support turtle nesting, as well as future recruitment of coral larvae and seagrass fragments. It will also assess early transplantation of coral or seagrass communities ahead of the long-term plans for Long Island to allow more time for marine biodiversity to grow and thrive.

While the formal consultation period has closed, the public is welcomed to continue sharing feedback at this website. The next phase of public engagement is planned to start from end-2026.

Long Island works: Calls to retain East Coast Park’s recreational value, minimise impact on nature
Ang Qing Straits Times Sep 17, 2026, 02:25 PM

SINGAPORE – Ahead of works to prepare for the Long Island reclamation off East Coast Park, parkgoers have appealed to the authorities to ensure that activities at local recreational haunts can continue even while works are ongoing.

These areas include fishing hot spot Bedok Jetty and a surfing haven known as “Longkang Point”. A timeline for when the works will commence has not been revealed.

This was a key theme of feedback submitted to the Housing Board (HDB), which on Sept 16 said that it had received 430 responses to an environmental study for preparatory works that was published more than two months ago.

Members of public had called for the recreational nature of East Coast Park to be retained and the impact on affected stakeholders to be limited.

In response, HDB reiterated that it will minimise disruption to existing recreational activities along the East Coast.

The preparatory works will be conducted at least 130m away from the shoreline and in phases starting in the waters west of Bedok Jetty. This means that public access and activities can still continue at beaches and shoreline facilities like the jetty.

The HDB also said it expects limited disturbance and minimal changes to wave conditions in the current surfing areas during the preparatory works.

It stressed that there will be close monitoring of key environmental conditions like water quality, suspended sediment levels, noise and dust, to ensure that impacts remain at acceptable levels for public use.

When completed in the coming decades, the reclamation of some 800ha of land for Long Island will protect low-lying areas from Marina East to Tanah Merah against rising sea levels, create an additional reservoir as well as land for future needs.

The amount of land that will be reclaimed is about twice the size of Marina Bay.

Another key theme of the feedback centred on concerns about the impact of the works on marine fauna like sea turtles, bottom-dwelling fish and coastal horseshoe crabs.

Members of the public had called for more information to show how these species and the vicinity’s natural habitats, including corals and seagrass, would be affected and protected from the development.

In response to these queries, HDB said it had updated its environmental study for the preparatory works that had been released on June 30 with more data to better characterise the fish communities within the study area and specific impact on coastal horseshoe crabs.

Even with inclusion of this data, the overall impact on fishes that dwell near and at the bottom of the sea, as well as the nesting habitat of coastal horseshoe crabs is unlikely to be significant, the Housing Board said.

It added that infill materials, which include sand, will be placed in a controlled manner using a pipeline system, minimising disturbance to shallow shoreline habitats.

It noted that the works are not expected to affect most of the coral and seagrass in the East Coast Park area, or significantly affect recreational fishing or the fish and marine fauna community as a whole.

HDB said: “Seagrass habitats are also generally resilient to periodic turbidity and are expected to recover without long-term degradation.”

With East Coast Park known to be a popular site for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle to nest, HDB said that agencies will work closely with experts to explore other measures to minimise the risk of harm to nesting turtles during the preparatory works.

This will be in addition to the National Parks Board’s efforts to search for turtle nests along the East Coast Park shoreline and re-locate the eggs laid there to a hatchery on the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.

HDB noted that most feedback providers had recognised the need for coastal protection and asked if alternative coastal protection measures could be considered to retain the ecological and recreational value of East Coast Park and avoid the need for land reclamation.

It said that agencies had considered building a new seawall of up to 3m in height fronting East Coast Park from Marina East to Tanah Merah, with tidal gates and pumping stations expected to take up the size of 15 football fields.

However, HDB said this was ruled out as it will take up significant space within the existing East Coast Park and severely impede accessibility for recreational, sports and park users.

This could also potentially create significant impacts on some ecosystems at the shoreline and intertidal areas along the East Coast.

HDB said it will explore the feasibility of creating suitable habitats along the future coastline to support turtle nesting, as well as future recruitment of coral larvae and seagrass fragments.

The Housing Board will also assess the need for early transplantation of coral or seagrass communities ahead of the long-term plans for Long Island to allow more time for marine biodiversity to grow and thrive.

While the formal consultation period for the preparatory works for Long Island has closed, the Housing Board welcomed members of the public to continue sharing their feedback at this website.

It said the next phase of public engagement is planned to start from end-2026.

ST has contacted HDB for information on when the preparatory works are scheduled to begin.

Also on HDB's Facebook page

Corals in murky waters could produce heat-tolerant babies

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:57:00 +0000

Coral reefs around the world are in decline, with many reef areas shrinking as increasingly frequent marine heatwaves leave them less time to recover in between. But a new report found that reefs in the East Asian Seas, which includes Singapore, are bucking the global trend, with coral cover holding steady over the past four decades.

Marine biologist Huang Danwei, deputy head of NUS’ Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, said corals which thrive even in harsh environments, such as those that live in the murky waters around Singapore, often have a higher degree of tolerance against marine heatwaves.

Such corals could produce offspring that are naturally resilient to warmer sea surface temperatures. When these coral babies disperse and settle in neighbouring reefs, it could confer them greater resilience against heat waves, he added.

Corals in East Asian Seas holding out as world’s coral reefs shrink due to more frequent marine heatwaves
Chin Hui Shan Straits Times Sep 14, 2026, 05:00 AM

SINGAPORE — Coral reefs around the world are in decline, with many reef areas shrinking as increasingly frequent marine heatwaves leave them less time to recover in between.

But a new report has found that reefs in the East Asian Seas, which includes Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of South-east Asia, are bucking the global trend, with coral cover holding steady over the past four decades.

The Aug 31 report by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, an international network of scientists, managers and organisations, also showed that there has not been any documented increase in macroalgae, or seaweed, in this region.

This is another encouraging sign of reef health in the East Asian Seas, as macroalgae is known to hinder reef recovery by competing with corals for space to grow.

The East Asian Seas is home to the Coral Triangle, one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity hot spots located around Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. About 30 per cent of the world’s coral reef area is found here.

Experts here told The Straits Times that the findings show that reefs in the region could have certain traits that make them more tolerant of hotter temperatures.

For instance, they may have heat-tolerant genetic traits, or could have microorganisms living in them that confer the coral with greater heat resilience.

Marine biologist Huang Danwei, deputy head of NUS’ Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, said corals which thrive even in harsh environments, such as those that live in the murky waters around Singapore, often have a higher degree of tolerance against marine heatwaves.

Such corals could produce offspring that are naturally resilient to warmer sea surface temperatures. When these coral babies disperse and settle in neighbouring reefs, it could confer them greater resilience against heat waves, he added.

Huang, as well as Karenne Tun, group director of National Parks Board’s (NParks) National Biodiversity Centre, are among the Singapore-based authors who contributed to the global report.

Called Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025, the 296-page report was based on more than 40 years of data from 36,886 sites across 124 countries and territories. The last time a similar report was published was in 2021.

Corals support about one-quarter of marine life, including thousands of fish species. About a billion people depend on coral reefs, directly or indirectly, from the ecosystem services they provide.

But the report noted that coral reefs are experiencing bleaching events so frequently that they no longer have time to recover before the next one strikes.

Bleaching happens when corals – which get their vibrant colours from microscopic algae that live in their tissues – expel the algae when they are stressed by rising sea temperatures, turning them ashen white.

The algae supply the corals with nutrients, so when bleaching occurs, the corals become vulnerable to disease. The corals may eventually die if the bleaching event is prolonged, as they are deprived of a key source of nutrition.

Global coral bleaching events occurred in 1998, 2010, 2016 and 2024, with Singapore also experiencing mass bleaching during those years.

All four global bleaching events followed El Nino events – a climate phenomenon that warms sea surface temperatures and lifts global temperatures.

Scientists have warned that another coral bleaching event may be on the cards in 2026, as the world is in the grips of a severe El Nino event that could extend to 2027.

The report showed that the average global hard coral cover dropped from 30.2 per cent in 1980 to 27.3 per cent in 2024.

Hard coral cover refers to the proportion of the coastal habitat that is covered by hard coral.

In comparison, coral reef cover in the East Asian Seas region remained stable between 1980 and 2009, with an average hard coral cover of about 30 per cent. This dipped to 27 per cent after the 2010 bleaching event, but recovered to close to 1980 levels between 2010 and 2020.

The report’s lead author Manuel Gonzalez Rivero said that the gap between bleaching events once stretched for decades, but now averages just five or six years. For instance, prior to the 1998 global bleaching event, the first widespread mass bleaching occurred during the 1982-83 El Nino, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

And while the report showed that reefs in this region have shown a “remarkable stability” in hard coral cover over the past four decades, Huang said that climate-driven ocean warming remains the greatest threat to coral reefs even in the East Asian Seas region.

Moreover, reefs in the region face other stressors that could impact their health. “The other main threats to East Asian reefs include nutrient pollution that causes macroalgae to overgrow corals, marine plastics, overfishing, increased sedimentation and water turbidity, coastal development and land reclamation,” he said.

NParks’ Tun said that the apparent stability of East Asian reefs could also be because any decline in one part of the region is balanced out by an increase in coral cover somewhere else.

For example, declines in Southern Java and Sunda and parts of the Northern Coral Triangle were offset by gains in the Central Coral Triangle and Kuroshio, according to the report. This suggests that apparent regional stability may mask important local variability and vulnerability, it said, noting that resolving such patterns will require consistent data collection at the local level.

Data collection at the local level could also help scientists keep an eye on other aspects of reef health beyond coral cover.

For instance, Tun noted that while coral cover may remain stable, the types of species found in an area could change. Such shifts in coral communities can affect how reefs function and the ecosystem services they provide, she added.

Rare bowmouth guitarfish recorded in Singapore waters

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:55:59 +0000

“Observations of angler catches over the years tell us that Singapore’s nearshore waters house a rich diversity of threatened marine taxa (a group of animals), including sharks and rays.” said Maryam Kolakkodan, a research assistant at the National University of Singapore’s department of biological sciences.

This observation was documented by Kolakkodan along with her co-authors, marine biologist Zeehan Jaafar and Lin Jiayuan, co-founder of the Ichthyological Society of Singapore.

Members of the public who come across large marine animals in Singapore, such as dolphins, dugongs, turtles, sharks and rays, can report their sightings at public submission database MegMaLS at this website.

Rare bowmouth guitarfish recorded in Singapore waters after nearly 30-year absence
Ang Qing Straits Times Sep 14, 2026, 12:00 PM

SINGAPORE – The bowmouth guitarfish – a pet cause of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio because it is critically endangered across the world – has been officially detected in Singapore waters after an absence of nearly 30 years.

The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, the only museum of its kind in Singapore, recently published a report of the sighting.

“We were ecstatic,” Maryam Kolakkodan, a research assistant at the National University of Singapore’s department of biological sciences who co-authored the Aug 31 report, told The Straits Times.

She recounted how the footage obtained from the social media user who posted the video captured the creature’s faint silhouette.

On Oct 29, 2022, anglers at Bedok Jetty saw and filmed one of these creatures, estimated to be between 1.5m and 2m in length.

After cruising in the water for three to five minutes, the solitary fish swam away. This observation was documented by Kolakkodan along with her co-authors, marine biologist Zeehan Jaafar and Lin Jiayuan, co-founder of the Ichthyological Society of Singapore.

This is the first formal record of the bowmouth guitarfish since now-defunct Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Wanbao reported in 1995 that a 1.83m-long specimen weighing about 40kg was caught in a shrimp net in the sea off Marine Parade.

The species is often dubbed the shark ray as it has a sleek, shark-like body, prominent dorsal fins and ray-like pectoral fins.

Among the world’s jawed animals with backbones, it ranks as the most genetically unique lineage facing an extreme risk of extinction. This is driven by wildlife trafficking, overfishing, habitat degradation and other threats.

A 2024 paper said the extinction of the bowmouth guitarfish could result in the loss of 88 million years of evolutionary history, as it is the only surviving species of the genus Rhina, a lineage of rays.

Internationally, the bowmouth guitarfish has received increasing conservation attention and is currently the focus of global protection and rewilding efforts by initiatives such as Shark Ray 360 and the Phoenix Species Project. The latter is backed by Bezos and DiCaprio.

In June, the Singapore Oceanarium partnered the Taiwanese authorities to release a bowmouth guitarfish into its ancestral waters off Taiwan, making the oceanarium the first facility to breed, raise and release the animal.

The Aug 31 record shows that Singapore’s busy waters remain a corridor for critically endangered species such as the bowmouth guitarfish, Kolakkodan said.

According to satellite-tagging efforts by the rewilding collective ReShark, bowmouth guitarfish are known to travel more than 100km from their original locations, she added.

“Other studies have documented occurrences of this species in the open ocean, away from coastal waters,” Kolakkodan said. “These findings reiterate the interconnectivity of the seas and the importance of international collaboration. Protection across the distribution range will likely be a more effective conservation strategy than fragmented protection in singular areas alone for a transboundary species such as the bowmouth guitarfish.”

The Bedok Jetty record is part of a broader research project funded by Mandai Nature. It aims to understand the distribution of sharks and rays within the territorial waters of Singapore, as well as the impact of recreational fishing on these threatened animals.

Kolakkodan, who is analysing the project’s data, said: “Observations of angler catches over the years tell us that Singapore’s nearshore waters house a rich diversity of threatened marine taxa (a group of animals), including sharks and rays.”

Since 2022, the bowmouth guitarfish has apparently been spotted again in Singapore waters.

Zeehan Jaafar, a senior lecturer at the NUS department of biological sciences, said that the team was alerted in August to a May 24 sighting of the marine animal.

That day, the fish was hooked by anglers fishing from a vessel and later released. The more recent sighting has not yet been officially recorded.

“Important sightings such as this are often shared by members of the public and are valuable in furthering our understanding of local biodiversity,” said Jaafar.

The team is seeking avid anglers for focus group interviews to share their experiences and thoughts on how to sustainably fish sharks and rays here.

Lin, who has been fishing for nearly two decades, said it was satisfying to formalise recent records of the species, citing other social media footage that the fish had been around over the past decade.

The Nanyang Technological University bioengineering student said: “Its presence in our waters warrants future research on this species, whether it is resident or whether it’s passing by and stopped for food, to better aid in conservation for both this species and marine fauna of Singapore.”

Members of the public who come across large marine animals in Singapore, such as dolphins, dugongs, turtles, sharks and rays, can report their sightings at public submission database MegMaLS at this website.

Singapore in prep for Phase 1 of nuclear power

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:34:57 +0000

In looking at possible pathways to meet its long-term climate and energy goals, Singapore is studying whether nuclear energy could be viable and is building its capabilities to assess advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.

"The INIR mission is not a commitment to adopt nuclear energy. But it is a way to help determine whether Singapore has the expertise, institutions, and frameworks to make an informed decision,"

Singapore approaching nuclear energy with 'open mind' but mindful of constraints: Grace Fu
Any decision will weigh safety, environmental sustainability, economic viability and public confidence, among other considerations, says the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment.
Emil Chan Channel NewsAsia 14 Sep 2026 09:51PM

SINGAPORE: Singapore is approaching nuclear energy with an open mind while recognising its constraints as a small and densely populated city-state, the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said on Monday (Sep 14).

Representing Singapore at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Ms Fu said the country, in looking at possible pathways to meet its long-term climate and energy goals, is studying whether nuclear energy could be viable and is building its capabilities to assess advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.

"We approach this with an open mind, but also with a clear recognition of our circumstances as a small, densely populated, and alternative energy disadvantaged city-state," she said.

Ms Fu said the country’s approach will be "deliberate, structured, and rigorous", with assessments covering nuclear safety, security and safeguards, environmental sustainability, economic viability, public confidence and Singapore's international obligations.

Before any decision is made, Singapore must have the scientific, technical, institutional and regulatory capabilities needed to evaluate reactor technologies objectively, she said.

To that end, Singapore is steadily developing these capabilities across government, research institutions and its regulatory system, while also strengthening cooperation with nuclear regulators and international partners to learn from their approaches to governance, regulation and safety.

As part of this process, Singapore will embark on the first of three phases of a nuclear readiness review - known as an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) with the IAEA in 2027.

The review will allow Singapore to benchmark its capabilities against the IAEA's milestones approach, assess the country’s readiness to make an informed decision on deploying nuclear energy, and identify areas that require further development.

"The INIR mission is not a commitment to adopt nuclear energy. But it is a way to help determine whether Singapore has the expertise, institutions, and frameworks to make an informed decision," said Ms Fu, who is also Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations.

She said regional cooperation would become more important as interest in nuclear energy and other nuclear applications grows across Southeast Asia.

As such, Singapore will work with ASEAN member states and the IAEA to strengthen emergency preparedness and response, put regional protocols into operation, expand radiation monitoring networks and information-sharing arrangements, and conduct readiness exercises.

“These efforts build confidence, improve coordination, and strengthen the region's ability to respond to a nuclear or radiological emergency,” said Ms Fu, adding that Singapore welcomes the strengthening of regional cooperation through the proposed ASEAN-IAEA strategic partnership on nuclear energy, safety, and governance.

Beyond its consideration of nuclear energy, Singapore believes that building human capital, institutional capabilities and technical expertise is essential for the effective and sustainable application of nuclear science and technology, Ms Fu said.

It has partnered with the IAEA since 2000 through the Singapore-IAEA Third Country Training Programme to share expertise and strengthen capabilities in the region in areas including nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, radiation protection, accelerator applications, radiochemistry, environmental monitoring and climate-related measurements.

“We are a long-standing supporter of the Technical Cooperation Programme in helping member states harness nuclear science and technology for development,” said Ms Fu.

“We have once again pledged our full TC Fund target share for 2027. We urge all member states to pay their contributions in full and on time.”

Ms Fu said Singapore remains “gravely concerned” over nuclear safety and security amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

“Any attack on nuclear power plants will pose significant and undeniable risks to nuclear safety,” she said.

“We urge all parties to respect the seven indispensable pillars and refrain from actions that could compromise nuclear safety and security of nuclear energy facilities devoted to peaceful purposes.”

Singapore also remains concerned by "unresolved issues surrounding Iran’s compliance" with its legally binding safeguards obligations, Ms Fu said, adding that any nuclear material not accounted for presents a proliferation risk.

She said that Singapore also continues to be concerned by North Korea’s "unconstrained development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes", given the considerable risks these pose to regional and global peace, security, and stability.

As Singapore assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in January 2027, the country looks forward to working with other ASEAN member states and the IAEA to strengthen regional and international cooperation on the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology, said Ms Fu.

How small modular reactors put nuclear energy back on the table for Singapore and ASEAN
Ang Qing Straits Times Oct 17, 2026, 05:00 AM

SINGAPORE – In March 2022, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerated a global energy crisis, Singapore subtly signalled its changed stance on nuclear energy.

A report commissioned by the Energy Market Authority on the Republic’s energy future had put nuclear power back on the table, projecting it could meet up to 10 per cent of the country’s electricity needs by 2050.

In a geopolitically fragmented world where the land-constrained Republic has limited options to cut emissions, the report highlighted the promise of advanced nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs) in helping to power the country.

SMRs are compact nuclear reactors that can be factory-assembled and installed closer to urban areas due to their smaller footprint.

This came a decade after Singapore in 2012 ruled out the use of conventional nuclear plants, due to their risks for the small and dense city-state. But Singapore had at that time kept the door open for future nuclear energy technologies.

Four years after the report was published, the Republic is thoroughly examining a nuclear future for itself – not just to meet its climate commitments, but also to safeguard its energy security.

Singapore now relies on burning natural gas, the cleanest of planet-warming fossil fuels, for about 95% of its energy needs.

But South-east Asia is grappling with the worst energy crisis since the 1970s, this time due to a war waged by Israel and the US on Iran.

Iran responded to the attacks by blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which supplies of oil and gas are shipped from the Middle East to the rest of the world.

About 20% of the South-east Asian region’s liquefied natural gas imports in 2025 transited through this maritime choke point, with Singapore accounting for over half of these volumes, according to an International Energy Agency report published in October.

Energy analysts, observers and researchers told The Straits Times that geopolitical instability, the global agenda to decarbonise, and advancements in nuclear technology have helped revive the region’s ambitions to tap the energy source.

ASEAN countries including Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines are taking steps to incorporate nuclear energy into their fuel mix.

Nuclear security researcher Julius Cesar Imperial Trajano attributed the growing interest of ASEAN countries in nuclear energy to the converging pressures of safeguarding energy security, rising electricity demand from energy-intensive industries and data centres, and shifting away from planet-warming fossil fuels.

“Nuclear is increasingly being considered not simply as a climate solution but also as a potential source of reliable, low-carbon electricity that can complement renewables,” said the research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

While the Singapore Government has not made a decision on nuclear energy, it has beefed up its capacity to study the energy source, while announcing its plan to undergo a readiness assessment by the UN atomic watchdog in 2027.

It has also signed at least seven pacts with countries and firms within the nuclear energy ecosystem over the past two years.

A secure energy future

Experts point to the variety of uranium fuel sources and the ability of countries to stockpile it as being among the ways that nuclear reactors can contribute to energy security.

In April, Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Tan See Leng told Parliament that five one-inch-tall uranium pellets can generate the same amount of electricity as one Olympic-sized swimming pool of natural gas.

A spokesman for the World Nuclear Association (WNA), an international organisation representing the civil nuclear industry, told ST: “Uranium is sourced from a range of geopolitically diverse countries, and nuclear fuel is extremely energy dense, so many years worth of fuel can be stored on site – insulating countries from the supply and price shocks seen in oil and gas markets.”

Today’s supply shocks are having an effect similar to that of the oil crises of the 1970s, which had prompted countries such as France, Sweden and Japan to embark on major nuclear build programmes, he added.

He said: “Moving away from imported fossil fuels will strengthen energy security across the region.”

David Broadstock of the Asia-Pacific energy industry consultancy Lantau Group said the war in the Middle East is but the latest in a string of energy crises that Singapore has endured since around 2020.

Reducing the impact of such events on energy bills will require a changed energy mix, he added.

“Nuclear becomes an attractive solution here in many ways, since it can produce large volumes of electricity with stable cost profiles,” Broadstock added.

The cost of imported natural gas and power generation makes up more than 75% of the regulated electricity tariff. This means that fluctuations in fuel costs due to geopolitical developments can impact the price consumers pay.

Meanwhile, stockpiled nuclear fuel will be able to produce electricity at a predictable cost.

Across ASEAN, member states have already moved to translate nuclear plans into policy.

Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand now have numerical estimates for nuclear capacity in their national plans, according to the 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook report published in October.

These range from a capacity of 600 megawatts for Thailand by 2050, to Indonesia’s goal of relying on nuclear energy for 12.1 per cent of its electricity mix by 2060.

Malaysia also formalised the integration of nuclear energy into its future energy mix in 2025, although no target figure was cited.

Ming Tan, global practice lead for nuclear energy at engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald, said a regional approach to nuclear power could benefit countries, allowing them to share knowledge, adopt common safety and technical principles, as well as reduce unnecessary duplication of effort.

“This can make it easier for countries to build capability, develop regulatory frameworks and learn from each other’s experiences while fully retaining national decision-making authority.”

A long-term domestic source of energy generation is especially pertinent for ASEAN nations, he said, as the region relies heavily on imported fuels shipped through some of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

The British-based firm was appointed by the Singapore Government in 2025 to study the safety and feasibility of advanced nuclear technologies like SMRs.
The promise of the small modular reactor

The global pivot towards nuclear power is in part powered by the rise of advanced reactors, which promise enhanced safety features and less radioactive waste, according to analysts.

According to the Nuclear Energy Agency, an intergovernmental agency that facilitates cooperation among countries with advanced nuclear technology, the number of SMR designs around the world has grown from 98 in 2024 to 156 in its latest assessment published in September.

Over the past five years, discussions about SMRs have moved beyond purely conceptual designs, said RSIS’ Trajano.

He cited developments such as greater regulatory engagement, progress towards licensing in some jurisdictions, and more attention to factory fabrication.

In September, for instance, the US’ Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a construction permit for its first SMR after a 14-month review.

Analysts and observers said SMRs could require significantly smaller safety restriction zones than conventional nuclear reactors. This gives it an advantage over conventional reactors, especially for Singapore, other small island states and densely populated areas.

Conventional reactors typically require safety zones to be established within a 15km to 30km radius from the nuclear plant. In 2008, Singapore revealed it had considered reclaiming land at Pedra Branca to satisfy this buffer. However, the plan was dropped, as the island is less than 30km away from neighbouring Malaysia.

A spokesman for the NUS Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) said smaller reactor fuel inventories and enhanced safety features in SMRs could reduce the potential consequences of severe accidents and, subject to safety assessments and regulatory requirements, could allow for smaller emergency planning zones.

He added: “Newer reactor designs increasingly incorporate natural circulation, gravity and other passive safety systems to maintain cooling, reducing reliance on external power and operator intervention.”

The nuclear incident in Fukushima in 2011 occurred because a power loss had cut off cooling to reactors there, causing them to overheat and melt down.

The SNRSI spokesman cited the tri-structural isotropic fuel used in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, a kind of SMR. Such fuels can improve the containment of radioactive materials by coating uranium kernels in layers of ceramic and carbon, reducing the risk of a meltdown.

The WNA spokesman said that the modular format of SMRs is also an advantage, as they are easier to manufacture repeatedly in factories, instead of needing to build each one from scratch.

He said: “Many of the SMR designs proposed for near-term deployment are not technological leaps; rather, they offer a potential step change in how nuclear is delivered, through factory-based, repeatable manufacturing and deployment.”
The geopolitics of SMR development

Despite the promise of SMRs, most designs remain at an early stage of commercial deployment, said Nick Ash, energy advisory leader at engineering consultancy Arup, which is advising the UK’s SMR programme.

According to the Nuclear Energy Agency’s latest assessment, only Russia and China operate commercial SMRs.

Uncertainty remains over whether their projected cost and delivery advantages will be demonstrated once financing, supporting infrastructure, fuel supply and waste management are taken into account, Ash added.

China analyst Damien Ma noted that while the US still leads on SMR innovation, China was the first to deploy a commercial land-based SMR, while Russia deployed the first floating SMR.

SMRs are touted to be cheaper than conventional nuclear reactors, but the industry has not yet developed to a point where the unit costs can be brought down.

Ma, the director of East Asia-based research centre Carnegie China, said this will still require organising manufacturing in a way that can actually achieve consistent modularity, which can then be scaled.

While Western countries had a head start in developing nuclear facilities, many of them, such as the United States and France, built few or no new reactors in the following years, losing skills, expertise and supply chain capacity.

As a result, the nuclear industrial ecosystems of many Western countries withered after decades of inaction, said David Fishman, a principal at Lantau Group who tracks the Chinese power sector.

“Most of the things that have historically driven nuclear cost overruns in the West – like regulatory complexity, licensing risk, supply chain challenges, project management failures, and financing – are still going to be problems with a smaller reactor,” Fishman noted.

Meanwhile, China has ramped up its nuclear energy capabilities, by continuously building reactors, while its designs have become increasingly standardised and cheaper, Fishman said.

China has also proven to be the only country that has built an SMR and delivered nuclear projects on time and within budget this century, he added.

He said: “Countries don’t just buy a reactor... You buy decades of fuel services, technical support and regulatory engagement.

“So the real question is which countries emerge as the potential nuclear suppliers to South-east Asia and what that means for their long-term political relationships.”

The road ahead for ASEAN

Technology aside, South-east Asia’s decision to deploy SMR technology will also hinge on long-term support, mutually agreed-upon cross-border rules, financing, waste management plans and a skilled workforce.

Nuclear energy remains the most expensive energy source to be considered in the 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook report, which notes that nuclear projects are expected to cost the region an estimated US$236 billion (S$300 billion) by 2060.

Financing nuclear projects is notoriously hard due to their scale, capital intensity, long construction timelines and technical complexity. Investors are often scared off by the risks of cost overruns and delays.

“The constraint on nuclear power in ASEAN is therefore not siting potential or stated ambition, but delivery capability,” the report found.

Public acceptance will also be key to determining the successful deployment of nuclear energy.

Countries in South-east Asia have explored the use of civilian nuclear energy since the late 1950s, but backing has waxed and waned, influenced by factors such as fluctuating government support and global nuclear events affecting public opinion.

This will be key, as the lack of acceptance has historically jeopardised the roll-out of nuclear energy. In the 1980s, for instance, public opposition and safety concerns derailed the Philippines Bataan Nuclear Plant, which never went online despite its completion.

Even if Singapore’s efforts do not translate to the deployment of nuclear energy, its work could help the Republic stay relevant amid the global nuclear renaissance.

The SNRSI spokesman said its research and nuclear laboratories will remain important as interest in nuclear power across the region continues to grow.

With 70 researchers in its stable, the institute also ensures that Singapore has its own experts to understand these developments and what they mean for the country.

Added Mott MacDonald’s Tan: “If it continues on its current path, Singapore has the potential to become one of the region’s leading centres of excellence for advanced nuclear technologies.”

How do small modular nuclear reactors work, and how safe are they if S’pore decides to use them?
Ang Qing Straits Times Oct 17, 2026, 05:00 AM

SINGAPORE - Plans to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining momentum, as more countries look to tap nuclear energy.

The Straits Times looks at the most promising technologies, how safe they are and where they can be found.

What are SMRs?

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300MW, or 0.3 gigawatts, about one-third the capacity of a conventional nuclear plant.

SMRs generate electricity through nuclear fission, the process of splitting heavy atoms such as uranium. This releases one million times more energy per kilogram than burning carbon.

For context, Singapore had the capacity to produce about 13 gigawatts of electricity in the first half of 2025.

Benefits

Smaller: SMRs hold less nuclear material than traditional reactors, which could mean a smaller amount of radioactive material being released during emergencies. This is why some argue that SMRs require smaller emergency planning zones. These zones could be so small that they extend only to the site’s boundary. This potentially allows reactors to be installed closer to industrial sites or densely populated areas.

Safer: Many SMRs feature passive safety systems that use natural phenomena, such as gravity, minimising the need for human input. One such design uses natural circulation to remove heat from the core, preventing and reducing the risk of accidents.

Types of SMRs

Water-cooled reactors

Features: Generate extreme heat by splitting uranium atoms in the reactor core. Highly pressurised water carries this heat to a heat exchanger, transferring thermal energy to another tank of water that boils into steam, driving turbines to generate electricity. This cooling system is used in the majority of conventional nuclear power plants today, making it the most mature technology.

Viability: Account for more than 40% of SMRs in the most advanced stages of development and construction. While they benefit from decades of commercial operating experience, established supply chains and familiarity among regulators, some safety systems still need to be thoroughly studied by operators, regulators and technical support organisations.

Safety: Water-cooled SMRs store relatively large volumes of water next to the reactor, which can absorb heat without the need for active cooling or operator intervention during emergencies. They also use the same type of nuclear fuel as conventional power plants, which has a long and well-understood safety record.

Example: The KLT-40S reactors power the world’s first floating nuclear power plant in Russia, which began commercial operations in the Arctic port city of Pevek in 2020.

High-temperature gas-cooled reactors

Features: Inert helium gas is passed through the reactor core, where the nuclear fission process takes place, releasing heat. The gas can extract extreme heat of up to 1,000 deg C from nuclear fuel designed to be resistant to melting. Superheated helium passes through a heat exchanger to produce steam for highly efficient electricity generation, or to supply heat to heavy industries such as steel manufacturing and clean hydrogen production. Some models can be refuelled without shutting down the reactor.

Viability: Reliance on a specialised fuel known as high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) is a major hurdle. Currently, Russia and China have the infrastructure to produce HALEU at scale, while the US is working towards commercial production.

Safety: Radioactive fuel is coated in multiple stable layers to contain fission products while maintaining structural integrity even at extreme heat. The helium coolant does not corrode the structural materials or fuel coatings used in the reactor. Graphite reflectors in the core have properties that help regulate heat transfer, preventing excessively high fuel temperatures.

Example: In December 2023, the HTR-PM, built in China’s Shandong province, became the world’s first advanced SMR of its kind to enter commercial operation.

Molten salt reactors

Features: Molten salt reactors use liquid salt, instead of water, to transfer heat, allowing them to operate at high temperatures and low pressure. In one design, salt acts as a coolant that flows past solid nuclear fuel to carry heat to a heat exchanger. In a liquid-fuel design, the fuel is dissolved directly into the circulating salt. Fission occurs inside the core but stops naturally when the fluid exits, allowing the salt to safely deliver its thermal energy.

Viability: Research is ongoing into fuel management, including methods to clean the salt. The corrosive nature of liquefied salts is one of the engineering challenges facing these reactors. They could face supply chain bottlenecks due to a potential reliance on HALEU.

Safety: Operate at low or atmospheric pressures, eliminating the risk of high-pressure ruptures. As the molten salt fuel heats up, it naturally expands, reducing fuel density and slowing the reaction. This passively shuts the core down if temperatures rise beyond design limits. Typical MSR designs can also incorporate recycling and reprocessing technologies, potentially reducing the volume of long-term nuclear waste.

Example: The Hermes 2 demonstration reactor is a low-power, molten salt-cooled project being built in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Liquid metal-cooled fast reactors

Features: These replace water with liquid metals such as sodium or lead to carry heat away from the reactor core. These reactors are highly efficient and could potentially increase the amount of energy extracted from nuclear fuel.

Viability: While sodium-cooled designs benefit from more years of operational experience, lead-cooled reactors are still at an earlier stage of development.

Safety: Operate at low pressures, eliminating the risk of high-pressure ruptures. Like molten salt reactors, they feature safety systems that can shut down the reactor if temperatures rise beyond design limits. These reactors can also produce less waste overall and significantly reduce the volume of long-term nuclear waste.

Example: The BREST-OD-300 is a lead-cooled fast neutron reactor currently under construction in Seversk, Russia.

Sources: International Atomic Energy Agency, US Department of Energy, European Commission, World Nuclear Association, Nuclear Energy Agency, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, World Nuclear News

‘Everybody has an opinion on nuclear energy’: This scientist is determined to defuse nuclear myths
Ang Qing Straits Times Oct 17, 2026, 05:00 AM

SINGAPORE – When Singaporean nuclear energy scientist Ian Ang recently visited his neighbourhood doctor for a check-up, he did not expect a debate over his area of research.

“Oh, I disagree with that,” the general practitioner blurted out upon learning that Ang was a researcher at the NUS Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI).

Ang, 35, is not unfamiliar with the topic of nuclear energy triggering opposition. Instead of feeling disheartened, he saw the moment as another opportunity to debunk fears about nuclear energy. “I think it’s funny that nobody really has an opinion about a researcher, but everybody has an opinion if you are doing nuclear energy,” said the nuclear safety researcher.

Probing further, he learnt the doctor had formed his negative opinion of nuclear energy by “many people dying” due to the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters.

In 1986, the world’s worst nuclear accident at the Soviet-built Chernobyl plant in Ukraine exposed millions to radiation and contaminated swathes of land.

Decades later, in 2011, a natural disaster triggered meltdowns at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. While many had died from those disasters, Ang told the doctor the UN had concluded in 2020 that there were no radiation-related deaths directly attributable to the Fukushima incident.

Some 18,430 people died or went missing from the earthquake and tsunami in Fukushima, while more than 3,700 died from illness or suicide linked to the tragedy’s aftermath.

Turning to Chernobyl, Ang noted that while about 50 emergency responders died, less than 0.5% of some 6,000 cases of thyroid cancer linked to the accident resulted in death, according to a 2008 UN report. Most thyroid cancer cases can be cured with treatment.

“To me, (the Chernobyl accident) was an issue caused by humans, not really the technology itself,” Ang said.

Research has shown that the explosion arose from design flaws and operator errors. The operators, for instance, were not informed that their actions could cause the reactor to enter an explosive condition.

Encountering public scepticism about nuclear energy had, in fact, cemented Ang’s decision to study the field more than a decade ago.

At the time, he was a physics student at the National University of Singapore, looking to research anything physics-related, from atomic clocks to solar energy.

In 2014, he landed on nuclear energy for his final-year project after learning that the Singapore Government had set aside $63 million for a nuclear safety research and education programme.

Convinced that nuclear energy has a strong safety record overall, produced low greenhouse gas emissions, and can help Singapore overcome its resource constraints, Ang then applied, successfully, to SNRSI for a scholarship to pursue a PhD in Physics.

As a doctoral student at the University of Bristol, a leading institution in nuclear research that sits near a nuclear facility, he helped conduct research proving that material from the Fukushima reactor core had escaped into the environment, and developed methods to quickly trace other materials from the reactors.

Yet, the most memorable moment of his studies occurred on a trip near the Chernobyl site, during a demonstration given by a child to nuclear experts.

The boy, who looked to be about six years old, showed how locals scanned carrots using a gamma detector to ensure their food was safe.

“I (realised then that) you can actually teach children nuclear science; they can apply it in real life,” said Ang.

“The main lesson I had during the trip was how badly managed the whole fallout was... So many more tragedies occurred because the (Soviet) government didn’t take proper steps to educate the public.”

Since returning to Singapore, Ang has been spending his time digging deeper into nuclear safety.

He is studying the methods and modelling needed for an underground geological repository to store nuclear waste in Singapore, which includes looking into Finland’s efforts to build the world’s first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel.

Underground, nuclear waste can be stored in a stable state without affecting the surface.

Addressing the misconception that Singapore lacks space for such facilities, he estimated that the world’s current volume of spent nuclear fuel since the 1950s is the equivalent of just 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

In contrast, Singapore’s Jurong Rock Caverns has a capacity of 600 Olympic-sized pools. “We have the common argument that Singapore has no space, but one of the advantages of nuclear technologies is actually that the waste is very manageable,” he added.

Growing the nuclear sector, he warned, cannot be treated as a “fad of the day”. He cited how, after an initial boom in talent in Western countries, new plant construction slowed or stalled around the 1980s, causing expertise to fade.

While Singapore has made no commitment to nuclear energy, Ang is determined to continue hammering out the science needed to make the sector a reality here. He said: “It’s the only energy industry that cares about its entire lifespan and beyond.”

They offer more safety features and generate less nuclear waste, says a nuclear expert.

Singapore announced in May 2026 that it will be embarking on the first phase of a review by the UN atomic watchdog, to help Singapore determine if it has what it takes to deploy nuclear energy.

Small modular nuclear reactors: Singapore’s answer to energy security?

Green Pulse Podcast Straits Times 20 Oct 2026

Host Audrey Tan discusses what this process entails for Singapore with Low Xin Wei, the chief executive of the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI), a research organisation. He was previously the assistant chief executive at Singapore’s energy regulator, the Energy Market Authority.

Low describes the review process as being similar to a marriage counselling course, which participants undergo to learn more about what marriage entails.

Just like how the final decision on whether to get married will be determined by the couple, countries will have the final say in whether to go ahead with deploying nuclear energy.

Last look at Tg. Rimau before slope works begin

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 03:04:00 +0000

A large team surveyed a 400m stretch of Sentosa Tanjong Rimau before it is affected by slope stabilisation work. This shore has among our last natural cliffs with natural rocky shores. And the largest natural meadows of healthy Tape seagrass that remains, since the loss of these in most of our other southern shores.

It was a little challenging to survey in complete darkness. The tide turned at sunrise. The rest of the large team made lots of special finds. I will update with their sightings later.

As usual, the rest of the team make all the special finds! It's a little challenging finding and photographing animals at night. The usual rocky shore snails and crabs were seen. Including many Jeweled chitons. Rui Quan got a shot of a Marine spider which caught another kind of spider. Also seen, a special moon snail, a very long ribbon worm and flatworms.

On the plus side, at night, fishes and other animals are usually out and about. Zen observed a wide variety of colourful fishes commonly seen here. Rui Quan got a photo of Pygmy squid which caught a shrimp almost as big as itself. The rest of the team saw octopus and reef squids.

There have never been a lot of corals on this shore. On Jan 2026, there was already a sense that there were even fewer corals than before. Today, it seems this remains the case. Nevertheless, there are still a variety of common corals, mostly boulder-shaped ones including a few large colonies. As well as some small leathery soft corals.

A good variety of common sea anemones were seen. As well as corallimorphs.

Samuel Lau took great aerial shots of the shores the next morning, at a higher tide. Thank you!

Tg Rimau has the last best and largest natural meadow of Tape seagrass with long leaves. All Tape seagrasses are now completely gone or severely cropped short on Cyrene, Semakau and the other large southern submerged reefs. Surprisingly, long Tape seagrass is quite abundant on artificial shores like East Coast Park and Eagle Bay (Lazarus Island). Today the Tape seagrasses were still longish (about 30-40cm), some with shorter cropped leaves that stick out of the water. There were a lot of female flowers that had just bloomed, probably the day before, their long white petals still attached but withering. I could see any male flowers floating on the water surface or their bracts at the base of the leaves.

The patch of Sickle seagrass near Rasa Sentosa is still growing lush, leaves not cropped. Throughout the shore there were good sprinkles of Spoon seagrass (small leaves) and Needle seagrass (narrow leaves).

This shore is only one of the two Southern shores where we can see the Critically Endangered Nyireh laut. We probably have less than 10 of these trees on our shores. The mother tree seems okay. Her oldest Daughter no. 1 next to her is still alright. The next younger Daughter no. 2 growing near the pill box is now tall. All three of the trees are distinctly less leafy with bare branches and only a few yellow leaves. Another related species Nyireh batu, seasonally drop all their leaves after turning yellow. I suspect this is what is happening here. Daughter no. 3 which I last saw as a sapling in Apr 2014 has grown really tall and today had fresh green leaves. I couldn't find the small sapling that Nasry found on our last survey in Jan 2026. Hopefully it has been 'rescued' and is now being raised in the plant nursery?

The Critically Endangered Delek air is still doing very well, with lush leafy branches bearing lots of fruits. While the Vulnerable Raffles pitcher plant are still there, though only the crispy parts show up in the photo in the dark. Like many coastal forest plants of Singapore, they are now only found in a few places in Singapore.

I didn't see any signs of work starting, aside from a few poles on the shore, one had fallen over, and another seemed to have propped up a signboard that has separated from the pole. . On a positive note, I'm glad that we have been assured that very large litter will be removed as part of the works.

My thoughts about upcoming works on this shore

Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has made a good effort to regularly update and discuss with the nature community on the plans for this shore. We are grateful. I am glad that slope protection works are being done. Erosion, slope failure and rock slides are a natural aspect of such cliffs. Although these form the picturesque rock formations on the shore that we find so attractive, these can kill also the precious plants and trees that grow here. Here's some photos of ongoing slope failure that I saw on our last survey in Jan 2026.

On other islands like St. John's in the past, the engineering solution was to simply pour a sheet on concrete on the slope. This eliminates any possibility of plants growing back on the slope. The current plan for Tg. Rimau is to create grid beams that will allow plants to continue to grow after stabilising the slope. This seems a far more reasonable approach.

Of most concern are the impact of the working footprint so heavy equipment and materials can be brought to the slope. According to the EIA for the works found that more than 12 per cent of seagrass meadows may be lost. SDC has reassured the community that the working site will be minimised as much as possible, and works monitored to ensure they don't go beyond the site.

The other worry are the Xblocs: 0.7m (height) × 1.3m (width) × 1.7m (length), weighing 1-tonne each - similar to the photo. "A few hundred" interlocking blocks will be placed “at the toe of the slope to mitigate wave erosion". SDC reassured one reason XblocPlus was chosen was that it assembles more quickly, which shortens the construction impact period. Also, engineers will work to "replicate the structural complexity of existing natural rocky shores, and to support the diversity of intertidal fauna and algal communities already present at Tanjong Rimau."

We wish SDC and team all the best for this well intentioned effort to stabilise Tg. Rimau shores for the future. Works are expected to start soon.

Related blog posts
Sentosa Tg Rimau: EIA on slope stabilisation works Jul 2026
Sentosa Tg. Rimau: Interlocking 1-tonne blocks to be deployed Jun 2026

Photos by others on this survey

Zen Xuan He

Lai Chee Kien

Jaeden Lim

Rui Quan Oh

Rachael Goh

Lon Voon Ong

Jayden Kang

Jason Ooi

Asher Mako

Le Xuan Foong

Mathias Luk

Others on this survey: Yan Le Su, Dr Clarence Sim and students, Jason Ooi and students, Ang Qing, Lester Tan.

Western Island timeline, reclamation profile TBD: Chee Hong Tat

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:38:03 +0000

Details of the upcoming western island, such as its reclamation profile, land use plans, construction methods and timeline, have yet to be determined, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat in a written response to Parliamentary Questions raised by 13 MPs from both sides of the House.

Pulau Jong and The Landfill from natural Pulau Semakau
all enclosed in the profile announced by the PM.

The Government will conduct technical studies to inform development plans, including the reclamation profile. “We have been and will continue to engage stakeholders early, including nature groups, domain experts and descendants of former island communities and community representatives,”

Timeline, reclamation profile of new western island not yet determined: Chee Hong Tat
Ang Qing Straits Times Sep 08, 2026, 10:15 PM

SINGAPORE – Details of the upcoming western island, such as its reclamation profile, land use plans, construction methods and timeline, have yet to be determined, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Sept 8.

In a written response to parliamentary questions raised by 13 MPs on both sides of the House about the planning and impacts of the new development, Chee noted that a project of this scale is complex and technically challenging.

The Government will conduct technical studies to inform development plans, including the reclamation profile, he said. At the same time, it will also continue to engage stakeholders, including nature groups and descendants of former island communities, on the plans for the area.

“These include feasibility studies, site investigations and surveys, as well as engineering and environmental studies, to better understand development possibilities and their preliminary impact on areas like geology, hydrology and biodiversity,” Chee said.

He said the Government recognises that the existing islands and surrounding waters are an important part of natural biodiversity, and hold historical and cultural significance for former island communities, including the Orang Pulau and Orang Laut.

“We have been and will continue to engage stakeholders early, including nature groups, domain experts and descendants of former island communities and community representatives,” he added.

The plan to merge several southern islands to form a new industrial island, dubbed the western island, for future energy, industry and defence needs was first mooted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the National Day Rally on Aug 23.

A preliminary outline of the development area, which is near Jurong Island, showcased during the rally showed that some of the affected islands could include Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom and Pulau Sudong.

Following the announcement, scientists, nature and heritage groups, descendants of former islanders, as well as other stakeholders of Singapore’s marine community, called for more details about the developmental plans. They also expressed concern that the works could impact the area’s rich marine biodiversity and result in the loss of heritage.

Ahead of the September parliamentary sitting, MPs asked about the environmental impact of the plans, how the Government will incorporate heritage and community considerations, as well as its plans to consult different stakeholders.

For instance, Charlene Chen (Tampines GRC) had asked whether the Government will consider conducting cumulative environmental impact assessments where multiple reclamation, dredging or coastal development projects may affect the same marine ecosystems.

Chee said in response that government agencies will “coordinate closely to comprehensively manage the cumulative environmental impact of projects in close proximity”.

WP Non-Constituency MP Andre Low had also asked whether the studies will be made public.

Chee said the environmental study report will be made available for public feedback. Inputs from stakeholders will be carefully considered before plans are finalised, he added.

He said: “As with any development decision, the Government will need to consider many factors, such as ecological and heritage impact, as well as the needs of current and future generations, before making a final decision.”

Separately, Valerie Lee (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) and Edward Chia (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) had asked the Ministry of Trade and Industry why Jurong Island could not accommodate the activities that the upcoming western island is envisioned to host.

Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng said in a written response on Sept 8 that Jurong Island spans about 3,000ha, of which less than one-third remains available for development.

“The remaining vacant land has been earmarked to support our growth focus on specialty chemicals and sustainable materials, and to cater for new energy development, decarbonisation solutions, and low-carbon data centres,” he added.

Tan said the new western island will give future generations the space to meet new requirements and pursue opportunities “beyond what can be seen and imagined today”.

He said as part of the planning process, the Government’s studies will enable better understanding of the various development possibilities and their implications on biodiversity, hydrodynamics, marine navigation as well as existing business operations.

He noted that the Government has begun engaging stakeholders to gather their views and reiterated that their feedback will be carefully considered before any development plans are finalised.

MPs ask about better protection for children and youth, impact of western island reclamation plans
Wong Yang Straits Times Sep 07, 2026, 09:04 PM

SINGAPORE - Protections for children and youth and plans to merge several southern islands through reclamation will be on the agenda when Parliament sits this week.

. . .

Plans to create a new “western island” by reclaiming land to merge several southern islands will also come under scrutiny, with at least seven questions filed on the topic.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had announced at the 2026 National Day Rally that an island for industry, energy and defence needs would be reclaimed in the coming decades.

The area for potential reclamation, which covers about 592.8ha, contains marine habitats like coral reefs and seagrass meadows.

Charlene Chen (Tampines GRC) asked if the Government will consider conducting cumulative environmental impact assessments where multiple reclamation, dredging or coastal development projects may affect the same marine ecosystems.

WP’s He Ting Ru (Sengkang GRC) asked how government agencies are engaging with former residents of the islands affected by the planned reclamation.

She also asked how heritage and community considerations arising from the islands’ history will be factored into land use and design plans for the reclaimed area.

Building a city for both people and nature
Our responsibility is not to choose one objective at the expense of the other, but to plan carefully for both.
Chee Hong Tat Straits Times Sep 07, 2026, 05:00 AM

Recent discussions about places such as Maju Forest, Gillman Barracks and our western islands reflect something important: many Singaporeans care deeply about the natural environment around us.

I do too. Our forests, mangroves and coastlines are not simply undeveloped land waiting for another use. They are habitats built up over decades, sometimes much longer. They support biodiversity, cool our city, connect ecological systems, and provide places of respite and wonder.

So when Singaporeans ask whether a City in Nature should conserve more of these existing habitats, it is a fair and important question.

There is no simple answer. In land-scarce Singapore, we also have to provide for the many needs of current and future generations – homes, jobs, transport, energy, climate resilience and national security. And as a city-state, these pressures are especially intense, because we have no hinterland where we can site a nation’s needs.

Our responsibility is therefore not to choose one objective at the expense of the other. It is to plan carefully for both.
Making room for future generations

Mature forests, mangroves and coastal habitats have ecological value that cannot simply be replaced by planting new trees or creating new parks.

We want our children to be able to immerse themselves in nature, marvel at the rich biodiversity around them, and experience the calm that nature provides.

But we also have a responsibility to plan for their other needs.

Our children will need good jobs made possible because we create space for new industries. They will require transport, energy and climate infrastructure built ahead of time. They should inherit a nation that remains safe and secure. All of these require land.

Housing is another pressing need. Households are getting smaller, with many more people wanting homes of their own, including singles and seniors, while staying near family for mutual care and support.

Access to good and affordable public housing for every Singaporean has been part of our social compact since independence, and remains a commitment of this Government. To fulfil these aspirations, we have to plan ahead and ensure sufficient housing supply.

The difficult question is: How do we meet these needs while ensuring that nature remains an integral part of Singapore?

Planning for both

We cannot answer this by looking at each parcel of land in isolation.

Nature functions as a connected system. Ecological networks link our forests, waterways, mangroves and coastal habitats.

Our development needs are interconnected too. Homes require transport and amenities. Businesses require infrastructure. Energy and climate resilience require land and coastal space. National security requires areas for critical capabilities.

There will be occasions when development must proceed to meet an important national need.

There will also be occasions when conservation should prevail. And in many cases, thoughtful planning allows us to do both – changing the footprint of a development, retaining important habitats and ecological connections, and weaving nature into the places we build.

This is where science guides how we balance development and conservation.

The National Parks Board’s Ecological Profiling Exercise identifies our important biodiversity areas and the ecological corridors connecting them. This gives us an islandwide picture of how different habitats relate to one another.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Long-Term Plan and Master Plan in turn map out Singapore’s future needs, including an islandwide network of parks, nature areas, waterways and ecological links. This provides a long-term vision for where nature will be conserved, restored and expanded as Singapore develops.

At the site level, developments that may have significant environmental impacts are also subject to environmental impact assessments, which help agencies understand ecological value, assess potential impacts and develop mitigation measures.

Development and conservation decisions are integrated holistically within this broader framework.

We do not start from the assumption that every piece of land identified for possible development must be fully developed. Environmental studies and public feedback can and do change our plans.

For example, the upcoming Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat Nature Park was initially planned for industrial use. After careful study, we decided to conserve it due to its close ecological connection with Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. It will become one of Singapore’s larger nature parks.

Where development does proceed, we work with stakeholders to minimise ecological impact and incorporate nature wherever possible. Bidadari is one example where HDB worked with the Nature Society Singapore to retain an important hillock used by migratory birds. HDB also planned housing and community spaces to be seamlessly connected to Bidadari Park and Bidadari Greenway, so residents can enjoy daily contact with nature.

Moving past binaries

This illustrates another important point. Our choices are not always binary: develop and lose nature, or conserve and gain nature. Nature can regenerate. Ecological connections can be strengthened. And development itself can sometimes create the conditions for new ecological value to emerge.

Sungei Api-Api in Pasir Ris is a good example. We created this canal to improve drainage capacity and manage stormwater flows more effectively. But we also carefully designed it to harness natural tidal processes and sediment flows. Together with the planting of native mangroves, these conditions enabled the habitat to regenerate and expand over time.

Today, it is a thriving mangrove ecosystem.

That is why we should look at Singapore’s ecological balance sheet as a whole.

We have to consider the ecological value of each site, but we also have to consider the larger picture – how Singapore’s natural systems fit together, and how they change over time.

Today, more than 7,800ha of land is set aside for green spaces. This will increase to 8,800ha by 2035. We are also extending our park connector network, restoring habitats and waterways, and bringing greenery directly into our estates and buildings. All households will be within a 10-minute walk of a park by 2030.

Our aim is to strengthen this overall ecological system over time – improving the quality of our habitats, the biodiversity they sustain, how well they are connected, and the resilience of our natural environment.

Making difficult choices together

Science helps us understand the ecological consequences of our choices.

We must then weigh these alongside the needs of people, communities and Singapore as a whole.

These choices often involve competing considerations, and there will be different views on where the balance should be struck.

That is why we engage nature groups, researchers, residents and members of the public as we develop our plans.

We will continue to listen carefully, engage deeply and take these views seriously. There will not always be consensus.

Where the case for conservation is strong, we are prepared to adjust our plans.

Where development remains necessary, we will explain the reasons clearly, minimise the impact as far as possible, and work with stakeholders to find better ways to proceed.

Ultimately, these are judgments that the Government must make on behalf of Singapore and Singaporeans. We have to carefully weigh the needs and ecological value of each site, while also considering the needs of our country as a whole and over the longer term.

Difficult choices

These are difficult choices, but they are not new ones for Singapore.

From the earliest years of nation-building, we have had to make space for development while protecting and restoring the natural environment around us. By the 1930s, Singapore had lost most of its original forest cover to agriculture and development.

After independence, we transformed polluted rivers into clean waterways. We planted trees across the island, created nature reserves and nature parks, restored mangroves and strengthened ecological connections.

At the same time, we set aside land for homes, new industries, critical infrastructure and national security, so that each generation inherited the capacity to build on the success of the last.

Today, Singapore is both a thriving global city and one of the greenest cities in the world. We got here by planning for development and nature together.

That is what we will continue to do – so that our people and our natural environment can thrive together in our City in Nature.

Chee Hong Tat is Minister for National Development.

70 pax to Pulau Hantu on a ferry? CAN!

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:48:39 +0000

Mass visits to our Mother Shores, can? We test this out during our annual Family Day for regular team members. Who valiantly brought family and friends from all ages and backgrounds to visit Pulau Hantu at a high tide (2m).

Despite the hazy day, most enjoyed the stroll around the island, although many would have preferred a low tide visit. We had a little booth to share photos of the Mother Shores. Her biodiversity as well as history. A scope to look at more distant places (challenging with the haze). And everyone shared heartfelt thoughts about their hopes and dreams for Pulau Hantu.

At high tide, it is not possible to walk from Hantu Besar to Hantu Kecil (without getting really wet). But we still had a nice time exploring the high shore of Hantu Besar. Exciting finds included the Blue striped hermit crabs (seems so much more common at high tide - or maybe we miss them at low tide because we don't look so closely at the high shore). Also mudskippers, gobies, and many kinds of birds flying about. On the island, there were pretty butterflies and interesting insects.

I had a quick look at the mangroves. They somehow look nicer at high tide surrounded by clear waters. In the distance, the mangroves that have settled on the artificial seawall. On the low shore, a variety of old and young mangrove trees. On the high tide line among the Gelang laut plants, many young mangrove saplings have settled down. If we leave things alone, we might get a mangrove on Pulau Hantu!

The Sea almonds are turning red, a seasonal event that gives a feeling of 'autumn' on our shores. The trees here are so tall the buttress roots come up to our shoulder! We walk along the footprints of shorebirds. And come across Saga seed trees.

Thanks to Chui Qing and family for discovering the best station. Chilling in the breeze at the jetty looking down on the corals and reef life in water that is quite clear. Or at the landscapes on the horizon. They saw a very large cuttlefish, also sharks and other fishes.

Thanks to Samuel and Raphael for getting a scope for us to see things in the distance (a bit challenging due to the haze). But we still managed to get a good look at the Sudong reclamation. (Group photo by Richard Kuah).

The favourite booth was the one with Richard's photos of marine life that can be seen on Pulau Hantu and our Mother Shores. As well as historical sites in the area. Richard's sharing about the photos was a special treat. Thanks to the ladies from RP for helping to set up, and for everyone who obliged with my bad attempt at photo booth props - mama corals and mama mangroves...maybe too cheesy?

How wonderful to have two families with young kids with us. Seems the kids enjoyed 'touching sand' and the family made memories together. Thanks to Jason for bringing his family, and his RP students, and this photo!

Thanks also to Mathias and Rachael for guiding their friends, so that the rest of us could scope out what is possible at high tide. Thanks also to Ian for documenting our trip. And Lon for trying his best to launch the underwater drone. Quite hard to do at high tide. Samuel also flew the aerial drone.

The most precious gift were the heartfelt thoughts shared by participants. About their hopes and dreams for Pulau Hantu. From the littlest ones and the youths, to the young at heart.

Here's a few of the important thoughts shared. Full photos in this flickr album Pulau Hantu Guestbook.

Thanks to everyone who made the time to come and visit our Mother Shore! Extra special thanks to Richard for making this happen. We couldn't have done it without his professional expertise in running tours.

We hope to do this again, and open to the public. What do you think?

Govt to map coastal habitats after Western Island announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:49:00 +0000

Two days after the announcement of Western Island, NParks issued a tender for a 15-month mapping of reefs, seagrasses and mangroves through high-res satellite images. "The map will quantify any changes to the habitats since 2018, supporting sea space and conservation planning across Singapore. As with previous mapping efforts, the geospatial dataset from this study will be made publicly available."

Huang Danwei, deputy head of the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, said the results from the study will be critical for mitigating the impacts of ongoing coastal development projects and planning upcoming projects.

Marine biologist Ow Yanxiang, senior research fellow at the St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory said: “Our coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves forests have survived our nation’s many years of growth and development, so can we engineer ways to build our future with nature, instead of over it?”

Orang Laut SG, an initiative to preserve the maritime heritage of islanders living on Pulau Semakau, has called for cultural and social impacts to be considered, as well as continued access to the surviving islands, coral reefs and coastal waters. “Environmental assessments alone cannot account for the loss of heritage, community access, livelihoods, traditional knowledge and relationships with the sea.”

S’pore to map out marine, coastal habitats following news of western island reclamation
Ang Qing Straits Times Sep 04, 2026, 04:38 PM with photos by Lim Yao Hui

SINGAPORE - Plans are underway to use high-resolution satellite imagery to map out how coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangroves have changed over the years along Singapore’s coastlines.

The new images of the different types of coastal and marine habitats will update maps previously created in 2018 and 2011, according to a National Parks Board (NParks) tender seen by The Straits Times.

The tender was published on Aug 25, two days after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced at the National Day Rally that a new “western island” to meet industry, energy and defence needs in the coming decades would be created by merging several southern islands through reclamation. This could include Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom and Pulau Sudong.

NParks’ group director for the National Biodiversity Centre Karenne Tun said the map will quantify any changes to the habitats since 2018, supporting sea space and conservation planning across Singapore, while complementing research studies by various agencies.

“As with previous mapping efforts, the geospatial dataset from this study will be made publicly available,” said Tun, who noted that the exercise is part of NParks’ regular efforts to study the Republic’s coastal and marine habitats.

The mapping exercise comes amid concerns from scientists, nature groups and other members of the marine community about the reclamation plans to create a new western island.

Singapore has already lost more than two-thirds of its coral reefs and more than 45 per cent of its seagrass to land reclamation and coastal development. An estimated 85 per cent of mangroves and tidal flats have disappeared, mostly since 1953.

The NParks study is expected to take 15 months to complete, and excludes marine waters in the Pedra Branca area, according to tender documents.

Marine scientists said the mapping exercise is timely as the coastline has likely changed considerably due to events like sea-level rise, climate-driven storm surges and marine heatwaves.

Huang Danwei, deputy head of the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, said the results from the study will be critical for mitigating the impacts of ongoing coastal development projects and planning upcoming projects.

Accurate maps will provide a reference point to measure changes post-construction and help reshape reclamation profiles to avoid destroying productive coral reefs, dense seagrass beds, or mangrove forests that store significant amounts of planet-warming carbon dioxide, he noted.

Knowing the precise boundaries and areal estimates of coastal and marine habitats are important for making predictions about biodiversity as the environment changes, he added, explaining that such knowledge can more accurately characterise and project how species that form the foundation of ecosystems will be distributed.

“Such projections are important not just for ecosystem management, but also are helpful for long-term planning of navigational routes and the sea space in general.”

Agreeing, coral scientist Sam Shu Qin, who co-chairs voluntary network Friends of Marine Park, said the mapping exercise is a step towards evidence-based identification of conservation areas or places to prioritise for intervention.

“Researchers, educators and nature groups could use the data to support research and communicate the importance of Singapore’s remaining coastal and marine habitats and wildlife,” she added.

Marine biologist Ow Yanxiang, who co-led the city-state’s inaugural seagrass restoration project, said the data will help track cumulative changes to the coastal environment since 2018, especially since environmental impact assessments for developments in these areas are often conducted independently of one another.

The senior research fellow at the St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory said: “Our coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves forests have survived our nation’s many years of growth and development, so can we engineer ways to build our future with nature, instead of over it?”

Beyond the ecological impact, dive operators, nature guides, and descendants of those who once lived in the affected islands are calling on authorities to also study the social, recreational and heritage impact of the reclamation project.

Pulau Hantu, for instance, is often regarded as the heart of Singapore’s recreational diving scene, according to Serene Pek, co-owner of Cuddlefish Divers.

Pek cited the island’s sheltered conditions, manageable depths for beginners, and rich biodiversity, including seahorses, nudibranchs, and sharks. In 2025, about 60 per cent of her company’s operations, roughly 200 trips, were conducted at Pulau Hantu.

She said: “While we understand the need for Singapore to plan for its future development, we hope that careful consideration can be given to preserving areas that support recreation, conservation, education and community activities, so that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate these unique marine ecosystems.”

Ng Lee Kiang, co-founder of the nature education firm Young Nautilus, is concerned that the sediment plumes from future reclamation could ripple outwards, impacting not just Pulau Hantu and Pulau Semakau, but nearby sites like Sisters’ Islands Marine Park and St John’s Island, where her company regularly runs programmes.

She said: “As educators, our deepest hope is that generations to come will still have the chance to experience, appreciate and learn about the rich marine biodiversity we are fortunate to have today.”

Non-governmental organisation Orang Laut SG, which began as an initiative to preserve the maritime heritage of islanders living on Pulau Semakau, a subset of Singapore’s seafaring natives, has called for cultural and social impacts to be considered, as well as continued access to the surviving islands, coral reefs and coastal waters.

It said: “Environmental assessments alone cannot account for the loss of heritage, community access, livelihoods, traditional knowledge and relationships with the sea.”

Singapore to map coastal, marine habitat changes in third such study since 2011
The National Parks Board says the exercise is part of its regular mapping efforts and is not linked to the proposed western island reclamation.
Fabian Koh Channel NewsAsia 04 Sep 2026 03:16PM

SINGAPORE: Singapore's coastal and marine habitats will be mapped in a nationwide study to track changes since 2011, the third such exercise conducted by the National Parks Board (NParks).

The tender, issued on Aug 25, is titled "Mapping of the Extent of Coastal and Marine Habitats and Coastline Types in Singapore".

The study covers the entire coastline of mainland Singapore and its offshore islands and reefs, except for marine waters around Pedra Branca, tender documents on government procurement portal GeBIZ showed.

NParks identified Pulau Ubin's Chek Jawa and Pulau Semakau as potential "ground-truthing" sites, where satellite data is checked against real-world observations.

The tender was launched two days after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said, at his Aug 23 National Day Rally, that several islands to the west of Singapore could be merged to support new industries and future power generation needs.

In response to CNA's queries, NParks said on Friday (Sep 4) that the tender is not linked to the proposed western island reclamation.

"The tender is part of NParks' regular efforts to map Singapore's coastal and marine habitats and this will be the third such mapping exercise conducted by NParks since 2011," it said.

Dr Karenne Tun, group director of NParks' National Biodiversity Centre, said the exercise builds on the agency's 2011 and 2018 Coastal and Marine Habitat Maps and will quantify changes since 2018.

"The updated map will support seaspace and conservation planning across Singapore, and complement ongoing and future research studies under NParks’ Marine Climate Change Science Programme and other agencies. As with previous mapping efforts, the geospatial dataset from this study will be made publicly available."

The tender, which closes on Sep 21, requires the appointed contractor to identify and quantify changes between coastal and marine habitat maps from 2011, 2018 and 2026.

NParks awarded a tender with an identical title in July 2019 to sustainability consultancy Hydrobiology Singapore.

Editor's note: This article has been amended after NParks clarified that the tender is not linked to the proposed western island development.

Nature guiding workshop with Republic Poly (Sep 2026)

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:25:17 +0000

For the first time in 10 years, I am starting nature guiding workshops again. Because our Mother Shores needs guides to bring more people to see her and her babies on the mainland!

Thanks to Republic Poly for hosting the first one. And the more than 30 students and friends of the Poly who made time to attend! Special thanks for the awesome turnout by youth advocates and survey team members to support as facilitators. And everyone for contributing ideas and good humour to make it a fun workshop.

I hope to do more workshops soon, and meet more people who love our shores!
The workshop is for anyone who always wanted to be a nature guide. And those who find nature guiding too stressful and want to learn how to have fun guiding. With hands-on activities to brainstorm solutions to everyone's deepest nature guiding worries. We were privileged to receive sharing from many experienced guides and advocates like Lester Tan, Chair of Marine Conservation NSS.

As usual the highlight of the workshop was the role play. As we tackled some scenarios that gave us the most stress, to figure out approaches so we could defuse difficult situations and ensure everyone has fun, especially the guide!

The best part of the programme for me was to hear from all the leading youth groups, who not only sent representatives to help facilitate at the workshop Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity. But also to share about their work: Ichthyological Society of Singapore, Bird Society of Singapore, Earthlink NTU, BES Drongos, ENSING (Entomology Network of Singapore). I am so inspired by their dedication and great advocacy for nature and our shores. The networking session after the workshop was very lively as everyone chatted to get to know more.

The next day, we tested our approaches at Admiralty Park. So glad to hear charming stories prepared by the participants, from the importance of dragonflies, and how to introduce the walk using info boards. Using our smart phones to show tiny things (like cicadas) to other participants, or learning more about plants that we don't know. Thanks to facilitators for sharing their knowledge and giving tips on how to help participants 'touch grass'.

Thanks to sharp eyes and ears, we saw lots of birds, bugs, spiders. Also monkeys and the herpers in the team found a snake! Here is Richard's great photo of it.

Special thanks to Jason (and Joy) for making this happen. Jason started the Marine Science Interest Group when he was in RP as a student. So wonderful to know that the Interest Group remains active when he is back now as a teacher! Here Jason is at the field session taking half of the participants. What a great turn out and we hope to see the participants soon, on a shore to share about our Mother Shores and how they keep all our shores alive.

This session was extra special for me. As usual, I prepared little stuffies for everyone to take home. For the first time though, I got some really special gifts in return. From Jia Xuan from the the Conservation Interest Group, an amazing anatomically-correct hand-made Long-horned cowfish, complete with transparent fins. I am in awe! And a very touching letter from Nadya Ganwani, Vice-President of the Conservation Interest Group at Republic Polytechnic. I will treasure these forever.

Our shores are in good hands with such inspiring youths looking after them. Thank you everyone and see you on the shores!

I hope to do more workshops soon, and meet more people who want to make a difference for our shores!

Cyrene in the dark

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Tan) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:20:26 +0000

Although Cyrene lies in the middle of an industrial triangle, it still has some of Singapore's most amazing shores. A very large team surveys on a predawn low tide.

It was a relief to see that the Knobbly sea stars seem to have recovered from the mysterious injuries we saw in Feb 2026. The corals seem to be alright. Although most of the centre was bare sand, there is still lush seagrasses near the beacon area. But we sense the shore remains rather quiet. The rest of the team saw giant clams and other interesting marine life. I will update when they have uploaded their photos.

During our survey here in Feb 2026, we noticed a large proportion of Knobbly sea stars had lost the top five knobs. It seems the knob fell off, rather than being bitten off by predators. The cut is clean and sheer. So possibly the sea stars self amputated their knobs, the same way that they can do with their arms? Today, I saw 17 Knobblies near the beacon area, and most of them had complete sharp and pointed knobs. Although a few had bluish tips and flattened tips, none had sheer cut knobs. Seems the rest of the team also did not see freshly amputated knobs. Will update with their observations later.

Updating with photos of Knobblies seen by Loh Kok Sheng (28), Marcus Ng (19) and Zen Xuan He (7). Seems most are 'normal' with well formed knobs. But there were quite a few with 'split knobs' - two tips or even two small knobs where one large one usually is. There were also some with a rather 'messy' arrangement of knobs near the top. We shall keep an eye on this situation.

As usual, the rest of the team make all the special finds. A night trip means lots of octopus, also squid and cuttlefish. There were also many interesting flatworms we have not seen before. Colourful reef crabs and fish are also less shy at night. Small urchins were also seen. Kok Sheng saw one live Giant clam, Zen found the dead shells of a Hippopus hippopus clam which we have never seen alive on our shores. Unfortunately, the big Giant clam near the beacon is dead, and another dead one was also seen.

There's never been a lot of hard corals on Cyrene since we first started surveying it. Most of them are boulder shaped and there are some large colonies. I had a brief look at the corals on the eastern end today. Similar to our last survey in Feb 2026, May 2025 and Jul 2025 today I didn't see any bleaching.

Near the beacon and around the eastern tip of Cyrene, there remains many large Leathery soft corals of various kinds. As well as some Asparagus flowery soft corals, Sea mat zoanthids and small clumps of Spiky flowery soft corals. Similar to our last survey in Feb 2026, May 2025 and Jul 2025 today I didn't see any bleaching.

Much of the centre of Cyrene is mostly bare sand. I hardly saw any animals there. But perhaps the rest of the team did, I will update with their sightings.

Sand has covered most of the center of the flats. There were not many animals, but Kok Sheng saw several Key-hole sand dollars - which we seldom see anywhere else. Seems like the usually more abundant Cake sand dollar are missing? There were still some Common sea stars, and one Orange sand star. Kok Sheng also saw a heart urchin that burrows in sand. A brown sea cucumber and some predatory snails that are only common on Cyrene: Orange-mouth olive snail and Egg-white moon snail. There were also many of the more common moon snails.

More updates from the team about what they saw on western Cyrene (it is huge, so one person can't do the whole shore in one tide). Dylan saw a Giant clam that the rest seemed to have missed. So we saw 2 giant clams this trip! They also saw many Knobbly sea stars. There are still corals here, mostly boulder shaped of the commonly seen varieties. As well as leathery soft corals and other anemones and cnidarians. Seems they didn't see any that were bleaching. Sam saw glowing ostracods, each with a worm. We have no idea what is happening. Also sightings of squids large and tiny and the usual reef life. Plus bonus spotty jellyfish at Keppel Marina.

From the team that checked out the western end seagrasses seem to still be doing well here.

Seagrasses on the eastern end start to appear towards the reef edge, where they are still covered even at low tide.

Seagrasses are growing well towards the beacon area in the east. With a mix of common seagrasses. Tape seagrasses remain very sparse and cropped.

Today, I saw a few of what seems to be dugong feeding trails. These trails are formed when dugongs chomp up seagrasses including their roots, leaving a shallow meandering furrow of about equal width and depth. Every survey since 2021, we see dugong feeding trails on Cyrene.

Although it lies in the middle of an industrial triangle and major shipping lanes, Cyrene has some of Singapore's most amazing shores. We had surveyed in Jun 2024 for impact of the Pasir Panjang oil spill a few weeks prior and did not see any signs of oil. While Cyrene seems to have pulled through both this oil spill and mass coral bleaching that happened in 2024, it seems to be growing more quiet. We shall monitor closely and hope it will recover.

Posts by others on this survey

Marcus Ng

Anya Gaur

Jianlin Liu

Zen Xuan He

Loh Kok Sheng

Rui Quan Oh

Jason Ooi

Lon Ong Voon

Jaeden Lim

Samuel Lau

Dylan Seng

Others on the survey: Lester Tan, Muhd Nasry, Ian Mun, Faith, Zheng Hao