Sentosa Tg Rimau - no large oil spill impacts

A small team surveys this shore that lies just across from the site of the 400tonne Pasir Panjang oil spill on 14 Jun 2024, about two months ago. We covered the whole shore from Resorts World on the eastern side around Tanjung Rimau Beacon to the western side at Rasa Sentosa.

We are relieved to see no large oil spill impacts. The seagrasses are doing well, rocky shores and sandy shores are still lively, and the rare trees on the shore still thriving. Corals seem okay despite mass coral bleaching.

Mass coral bleaching at Terumbu Semakau

A small team returns to this submerged reef lies right next to Singapore's only landfill and near the petrochemical plants on Pulau Bukom, and less than an hour away from the Central Business District.

We return to check on the impact of mass coral bleaching here. We estimate only about 10% of hard and soft corals were bleaching. The big anemones and other cnidarians were fine. The seagrass situation seems unchanged, and the rest of the team saw two Giant clams and a snake! 

Lively at Pulau Sekudu

Well before dawn, a small team surveys one of our favourite shores, Pulau Sekudu or Frog Island that lies just off Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin. There doesn't seem large impacts from mass coral bleaching, the seagrasses are still doing well, and there were good growths of sponges, sea fans and other colourful marine life.

Pulau Sekudu is off limits since 2007 and requires special permission from NParks. Thanks to NParks for permission and support to do these predawn low spring tide surveys of the island.

Update on mass coral bleaching at Kusu Island

This rich reefs of Kusu Island lies just opposite the Central Business District, less than half an hour away by fast boat. A small team returns to check on the mass coral bleaching that we saw here in Jun 2024.

Today, we estimate less bleaching - 10% of hard corals, few leathery soft coral. But we estimate about 60% of hard corals are dead and there seems to be fewer and smaller leathery small colonies. However, the shore remains very much alive and the team spot special animals.

Quiet at oil slicked East Coast Park (Sailing Centre)

I make a quick survey at East Coast Park (Sailing Centre) to check for impact from the 400tonne Pasir Panjang oil spill on 14 Jun 2024, about two months ago.

Unlike last month, I didn't see any oil slicks on the shore. The seagrasses are still there, and there is still life on the shore although fewer than last month. Compared to our last survey here before the oil spill in May 2024, there were far fewer animals and many missing animals.

Renewable energy farm could be built around Raffles Lighthouse

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore  has earmarked 30ha around the island and is looking into installing solar panels above the sea surface and tidal turbines underwater.

Experts said noise from underwater turbines could affect marine animals like dolphins and turtles. They note changes in hydrodynamics may affect the dispersal of coral larvae, while solar panels can reduce the amount of light reaching corals and affect their health.