Other intertidal surveys in Feb 2026

Between the low spring tides, the intrepid Rui Quan Oh relentlessly checked out more shores! As usual, I learn a lot about crabs, and also the pretty insects and spiders of our mangroves. So glad to know cute fiddlers and awesome Blue-spotted mudskippers still abound on Pulau Ubin. 

Collage of photos by Rui Quan Oh

Rui Quan checked out Sentosa, Coney Island, Admiralty Park. And also Ubin together with Zen Xuan He. Thanks also to Dr Clarence Sim for inviting Rui Quan to help in his intertidal work at Pulau Semakau.

New marine science research centre of excellence to be established

A new marine science research centre of excellence will be established to conduct a  $60 million research programme. More details will be released later this year. 

From NParks Facebook post about the new centre

Key Area 1 of the centre is "Biodiversity and Nature". The centre will focus on foundational research on species, species functions and interactions, to inform conservation, management and policy. Forming the basis for further and more complex research, which will in turn allow the development of solutions to emerging challenges in the longer-term.

$70million top up to Fund supporting local fish farms

A $70 million boost from April to the existing Agri-food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund aims to co-fund solutions that support multiple farms, such as integrated delivery systems. The national breeding programme will be expanded to include red snappers, and the supply of whiteleg shrimp larvae and grouper fingerlings will be increased. Recognising that commercial viability depends on sustained demand, SFA is also working to increase offtake of locally farmed produce.

Barramundi Asia fish farm off Pulau Semakau
lies derelict, Nov 2024

Singapore will also be upgrading its model to predict harmful algal blooms, which risk devastating harvests of aquaculture farms when sea surface temperatures rise. The new model will integrate forecasted weather conditions for more accurate environmental predictions, alerting farms ahead of anticipated events to implement measures that limit their losses.

Western Catchment coastal protection announced

Conceptual studies for the northwest coast stretching from Tuas to Lim Chu Kang have been completed. Recommended measures include replacing tidal gates and raising dykes to protect four coastal reservoirs – Tengeh, Poyan, Murai and Sarimbun – which are critical freshwater sources for Singapore.

National water agency PUB said in a joint press release with the ministry that the elevated dykes will double as maintenance roadways and incorporate design features to preserve ecological connectivity with the sea. Construction of the measures for the north-west coastline is targeted to start from the mid-2030s.

The government will hold focus group discussions and a public exhibition this year to gather feedback on the National Adaptation Plan. To support ground-up initiatives, the SG Eco Fund will broaden its funding scope to include climate adaptation projects.

Sentosa beach rejuvenation and strengthened coast protection

Sentosa’s beaches will undergo rejuvenation works, including strengthened coastal protection measures. More details about the Greater Sentosa Master Plan will be shared later in 2026.

As nature awareness grows, Singapore can rethink its approach to developing green spaces

Highlighting the rise of youth-led nature groups: LepakInSG, Earthlink NTU and Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity. And the need to push for better engagement on terrestrial developments, raising PUB's community engagement on Long Island and other projects as a good example.

And how the Singapore Terrestrial Conservation Plan provides a framework so that "Singapore can truly live up to its ethos as a City in Nature, one where forested land is not just land to be developed, but a heritage to be stewarded."