"Tiny but Mighty: Beccarrii" - a rare seagrass in Singapore

Singapore's own Halophila beccarii, among the rarest seagrasses in the world is featured in the latest Seagrass-Watch Issue 44 Nov 2011. Siti has dubbed it 'Tiger seagrass' because the leaves are often banded.

Recently, a few of us saw vast areas of this Critically Endangered Beccari's seagrass (Halophila beccarii) on our northern shores: at Kranji Nature Trail and at Mandai Mangroves!

The latest issue of Seagrass Watch magazine is also full of sea turtles!

10 Dec (Sat): Talk on "Forests of the Sea" by Siti M. Yaakub

Seagrass meadows are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth, but no one knows what they are! Are they algae? Are they seaweed? Can they be eaten? Is it true you can find mermaids frolicking in seagrass meadows?

Marine biologist Siti M. Yaakub will teach us about these underwater forests, what makes them tick and why everyone should hug a seagrass today!

14 Dec (Wed): Free screening of "A Fall from Freedom" by ACRES

Whales and dolphins have captured the imagination of people all over the world. They have come to symbolize not only an alien form of intelligence, but a sense of ultimate freedom in their marine environment and a camaraderie among their herd mates that we envy and admire.

A Fall From Freedom trailer from OdyseeTV on Vimeo.

A Fall from Freedom is the first film to expose the long and sordid history of the captive whale and dolphin business: a history that continues to this day. The illegal capture and transport of killer whales, the thousands of dolphins that are killed in order to provide marine parks and aquariums with replacement animals, and the ability of these facilities to miseducate the public about these animals.

These, and many other issues, are covered in graphic detail in this 80-minute film.

Volunteer Appreciation and NatGeo talk

Once a year, NParks' Conservation Division celebrates the volunteers with an appreciation event. As always, it's a great opportunity to catch up with old and new friends, and enjoy the company of fellow volunteers!

Photo taken by Lim Wei Ling.

Later in the afternoon, I had a great time giving a public talk about our shores organised by Debby Ng of the Hantu Bloggers and hosted by the National Geographic Store.