Changi: impacted by the non-stop rain?

The recent non-stop rain due to the monsoon surge makes us worry about a repeat of the mass deaths that we saw at Chek Jawa in 2007.

Murky water suggests flood waters arriving from the Johor River.

At Changi today, the water was very murky but we didn't see similar signs of mass death. Animals that usually succumb to freshwater are still present, and seagrasses are doing well. The impact of freshwater flooding on the shore, however, can be delayed. So it may be too early to be relieved just yet.

How does freshwater impact intertidal marine life?

Pulau Semakau (West) with giant clam

We return to this stretch of Pulau Semakau which used to be regularly visited as it is part of the public walk trail.

It was great to see a large giant clam, healthy corals and interesting marine life. Despite the tide not being as low as predicted. Unfortunately, there remains very little seagrass in the area.

Mega fauna sightings (Dec 2020)

Dolphin overload in December! Dolphins were sighted at St John's Island, East Coast Park and even in a shipyard at Sembawang.

A sea turtle was seen off Keppel Bridge and sharks were documents hunting in shallow waters at Big Sisters Islands.

New children's books on our sea slugs and crabs!

Two wonderful new books for kids on our marine life, written and illustrated by Singapore students are now available as e-books, including animated video storytelling and a 'behind the scenes' look into the making of the books.

These books are part of the long running Raffles Ecological Literacy Programme, where students volunteer to create books about Singapore's wildlife, in partnership with local experts.

Return to the 'Lost Coast'

Nearly a decade since my last trip here, I returned to this vast sandy shore, a habitat that is now rare in Singapore (thus 'lost') and home to animals that we seldom see on our other shores. 

This reclaimed shore in Changi East was in the past, remote and difficult to reach; thus 'lost' in yet another sense. As development started in the area, it became strictly off limits without a permit. Thanks to NParks for letting me come along for a brief recce trip.

Chek Jawa with signs of dugong

Once a year, we do a health check on the northern shores of Chek Jawa. This trip was particularly poignant for me as my last field trip with Subaraj was here.

Rain meant a shorter survey on the sand bar as we kept closer to shelter in case of lightning. But we managed a quick check and saw dugong feeding trails in the lush seagrass meadows and other interesting marine life. Thanks to NParks for permission to survey the shore.