Another $135 million injected into coastal protection

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.

Pilot in 2027 for ash scattering at Southern shores

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.

Study into energy infra on Pulau Tekong reclaimed land

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.

SGFish: free app to ID Singapore fishes

SGFish by the Ichthyological Society of Singapore (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.

Sharing Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal shores with youth leads

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.

Let's guide for our Mother Shores: Oct workshop

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.