Corals in murky waters could produce heat-tolerant babies

Coral reefs around the world are in decline, with many reef areas shrinking as increasingly frequent marine heatwaves leave them less time to recover in between. But a new report found that reefs in the East Asian Seas, which includes Singapore, are bucking the global trend, with coral cover holding steady over the past four decades. 

Marine biologist Huang Danwei, deputy head of NUS’ Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, said corals which thrive even in harsh environments, such as those that live in the murky waters around Singapore, often have a higher degree of tolerance against marine heatwaves. 

Such corals could produce offspring that are naturally resilient to warmer sea surface temperatures. When these coral babies disperse and settle in neighbouring reefs, it could confer them greater resilience against heat waves, he added.

Rare bowmouth guitarfish recorded in Singapore waters

“Observations of angler catches over the years tell us that Singapore’s nearshore waters house a rich diversity of threatened marine taxa (a group of animals), including sharks and rays.” said Maryam Kolakkodan, a research assistant at the National University of Singapore’s department of biological sciences.

This observation was documented by Kolakkodan along with her co-authors, marine biologist Zeehan Jaafar and Lin Jiayuan, co-founder of the Ichthyological Society of Singapore.

Members of the public who come across large marine animals in Singapore, such as dolphins, dugongs, turtles, sharks and rays, can report their sightings at public submission database MegMaLS at this website.

Singapore in prep for Phase 1 of nuclear power

In looking at possible pathways to meet its long-term climate and energy goals, Singapore is studying whether nuclear energy could be viable and is building its capabilities to assess advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.

"The INIR mission is not a commitment to adopt nuclear energy. But it is a way to help determine whether Singapore has the expertise, institutions, and frameworks to make an informed decision,"

Last look at Tg. Rimau before slope works begin

A large team surveyed a 400m stretch of Sentosa Tanjong Rimau before it is affected by slope stabilisation work. This shore has among our last natural cliffs with natural rocky shores. And the largest natural meadows of healthy Tape seagrass that remains, since the loss of these in most of our other southern shores.

It was a little challenging to survey in complete darkness. The tide turned at sunrise. The rest of the large team made lots of special finds. I will update with their sightings later.

Western Island timeline, reclamation profile TBD: Chee Hong Tat

Details of the upcoming western island, such as its reclamation profile, land use plans, construction methods and timeline, have yet to be determined, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat in a written response to Parliamentary Questions raised by 13 MPs from both sides of the House.

Pulau Jong and The Landfill from natural Pulau Semakau
all enclosed in the profile announced by the PM.

The Government will conduct technical studies to inform development plans, including the reclamation profile. “We have been and will continue to engage stakeholders early, including nature groups, domain experts and descendants of former island communities and community representatives,”

70 pax to Pulau Hantu on a ferry? CAN!

Mass visits to our Mother Shores, can? We test this out during our annual Family Day for regular team members. Who valiantly brought family and friends from all ages and backgrounds to visit Pulau Hantu at a high tide (2m).

Despite the hazy day, most enjoyed the stroll around the island, although many would have preferred a low tide visit. We had a little booth to share photos of the Mother Shores. Her biodiversity as well as history. A scope to look at more distant places (challenging with the haze). And everyone shared heartfelt thoughts about their hopes and dreams for Pulau Hantu.