Well before sunrise, sampling began at Changi for the
Singapore Marine Fishes Expedition 2019.
We found a wide variety of fishes as we tried out some netting methods. I also got a first look at the work being done by the angling team to gather samples for the fish library.
Lying in the flight path of one of the world's busiest airports, Changi Beach is teeming with marinelife! At first light, the team try out the two-man seine net.
After sunrise, the special hand-made 30m net is tried out. For this, we need a tall hero to lay the net in deep water. Then the net has to be carefully pulled back, avoiding large stones and obstructions that might damage it. Then the fishes are quickly taken while other animals are released. Great teamwork makes it possible!
I had a quick look at Changi while sampling. There is still a dense layer of
Horse mussels on the shore nearer the ferry terminal. But further away, it is still the usual sandy shore with a few sand bars as it was before the mussel takeover.
The patch of
Smooth ribbon seagrass is still there! And seems lush and growing well.
I encountered the usual marine life. Including nice finds like one
Common sea star (not common on Changi) and many small
Batik sea slugs. The rest saw many small Knobbly sea stars too.
Today, I received some glimpses of the hardworking angling team who have produced some great samples of fishes in our waters. Thanks to
Marine Stewards Singapore for leading on this.
Back the lab, lots of hard work continue to keep up with the great sampling work done.
From the basic measurements to photographs and X-rays, all samples go through a thorough process.
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| Photo by Rene Ong |
Even the tiniest fish is carefully processed for its DNA. And prepared for permanent placement in the fish library. So scientists from all around the world can use them for years to come.
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| Photo by Rene Ong. |
One of the interesting finds. A tiny shark tooth!
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| Photo by Dr Zeehan Jaafar |
We are so lucky to have fish experts from Singapore and overseas to contribute to the Singapore fish library.
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| Photo by Rene Ong |
Tomorrow, another predawn survey of a canal and artificial shore that has been recolonised by seagrasses. I wonder what fishes we will find!
More about the
Singapore Marine Fishes Expedition 2019 with daily and other updates are
posted here.
