Second Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey

The second Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey: One of the objectives is to establish a biodiversity baseline of local key marine areas that may be impacted by future developments, such as land reclamation and coastal protection against sea-level rise.

To study the coral’s “cryptobiome”- cryptic life living inside a coral reef, 42 units have been anchored to the seafloor with stakes at Raffles Lighthouse, Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, St John’s and Kusu islands, Pulau Semakau, and two sites near Pulau Hantu. 

Singapore corals showing signs of recovery amid global coral bleaching event

Amid the largest recorded global bleaching event, Singapore’s corals are showing signs of recovery as sea surface temperatures begin to fall, with about 20 per cent to 30 per cent of them still showing signs of bleaching.

But the marine heatwave has taken its toll on some corals here, with 30 per cent to 55 per cent observed to be bleached in July, the National Parks Board (NParks) and National University of Singapore (NUS) told The Straits Times.

5 tonnes of oil spilled at Changi on 28 Oct 2024

About 5 tonnes of oil was reported to have overflowed during bunkering operation at Changi from the receiving Bahamas-flagged Bulk Carrier, INES CORRADO.

Screen shot from reel on Lifein_Sea

The incident was reported to occur at about 5.40pm on 28 October and the bunkering operations ceased immediately. As at 8am 29 Oct 2024, MPA reports there is no oil sighted at sea in the vicinity of the incident and ashore.

Big Sisters' Island reopens to the public

Big Sisters' Island reopens with new features for visitors. You can now snorkel or swim in the lagoon. Or if you prefer to stay dry, view marine life from the floating boardwalk, or climb to the hilltop view deck through coastal forest.

To visit Big Sisters' Island, take a ferry from Marina South Pier via Singapore Island Cruise or Marina South Ferries from 29 Oct 2024. The Island is open to the public 7am to 7pm every day.

More details from media articles.

A quarter of fish farms shut down in 2024

A quarter of fish farms shut down in 2024. They were given a year (July 2023 to June 2024) to take up an SFA support package of up to $100,000 to exit.

"Mr Wee, who had been farming for about 15 years, said he spent around $40,000 on disposing of his farm and the surveys, allowing him to pocket the remaining $60,000 as retirement savings."

Oiled East Coast Park (Sailing Centre): life returning?

A lively team surveyed East Coast Park (Sailing Centre) to check for impact from the 400tonne Pasir Panjang oil spill on 14 Jun 2024. This shore was cleaned of oil.

The tide took a while to fall, finally revealing that seagrasses seemed well. The team found many animals commonly seen here. Hopefully, this means life is returning.