Oiled East Coast Park (Sailing Centre): life returning?

A lively team surveyed East Coast Park (Sailing Centre) to check for impact from the 400tonne Pasir Panjang oil spill on 14 Jun 2024. This shore was cleaned of oil.

The tide took a while to fall, finally revealing that seagrasses seemed well. The team found many animals commonly seen here. Hopefully, this means life is returning.

The tide took a long time to fall! And wasn't as low as I would have preferred. But thanks to the lively team, we saw lots of hermit crabs, crabs and small fish of all kinds, small sea anemones, some Tiny red sea cucumbers and a Garlic bread sea cucumber, Bonnet snail, moon snail sand collars and more. I will compile their photos soon.

Among the seagrasses and sandy area, Marcus and Fiori saw lots of hermit crabs - including a gathering lining up to exchange shells! There were many Moon crabs, small swimming crabs and a Sally lightfoot crab. Also shrimps and snapping shrimps. Many small fishes too: small whitings, mullets and a small flathead. There was one Garlic bread sea cucumber, one Cake sand dollar. Special snails seen include a Pink moon snail, a Grey bonnet snail and a Spiral melongena laying egg capsules. There were many shells of horseshoe crabs, most were moults while a few were dead.

Collage of photos by Marcus and Fiora

There is still lots of seagrass on the shore. The tide wasn't low enough to properly see the whole shore. But there was still dense clumps of Needle seagrass (both narrow and broad leaf blades) and Spoon seagrass (large leaf blades). I saw one small clumps of Tape seagrass with long leaves and female flowers. I also saw tiny patches of Noodle seagrass.

As in the past surveys, there were still many clumps of washed up 'bleached' Halimeda seaweed. They were not attached to the ground and were washed up all along the sandbar and low shore. Maybe they were growing in deeper water and just recently died and washed up? We saw the same thing here on our last survey in Sep 2024, and also at East Coast PCN area H yesterday.

The narrow band of oil on the jetty leg on the highest shore is still there. I didn't get a closer look at life on the legs, but Marcus reported it was a little quiet. Will update with his photos soon.

In the jetty area among the legs and rocks, Marcus and Fiora saw many snails. One Nerite snail had traces of oil on its shell and was still alive! There were also Drills and their eggs, periwinkles and limpets. As well as tiny Onch snails, small crabs and even a Ribbon worm.

Collage of photos by Marcus and Fiora

We only saw one tiny patch of oil slick on the shore and there wasn't a lot of dark sand in our footprints. On the low shore and further seaward, the patch of litter here has grown larger. Among the litter were many single-use water cups, which commonly wash up on beaches along the ferry routes. These are not commonly used by beach goers or the local boating or fishing community. But these single-use water cups are apparently given out to passengers on ferries. It seems no facilities are provided at any of the piers/terminals under MPA's charge for vessels to responsibly dispose of trash generated during their operation. More in 

this post.

What is the fate of this shore?

East Coast shores slated for massive reclamation outlined recently in the Long-Term Plan Review. There were additional details, plans for a 'Long Island' opposite East Coast Park is now official. In addition to more reclamation along that shoreline, already unveiled in 2013.

Technical studies for 'Long Island' 800ha reclamation off the East Coast were recently announced to begin.

Natural regeneration on Singapore's artificial shores and structures is already happening now. Unintentionally, with zero replanting. Can we plan coastal works to allow reefs, mangroves and seagrasses to naturally regenerate? Naturalise canals leading to the sea for a continuum of freshwater wetlands to mangroves? Imagine what's possible! Reefs and natural marine ecosystems at our doorstep, for all in the City to enjoy. More about this idea in my feedback to the Draft Master Plan 2013.

The Singapore Blue Plan 2018

Check out the Sinapore Blue Plan 2018 which outlines community recommendations for all these shores. DOWNLOAD the Plan, SUPPORT the Plan! More on the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 site.

See these and other East Coast shores for yourself. It's fun and easy to explore these shores. More details in "East Coast Park - Surprising intertidal adventures for the family".

What the shore looks like in daylight.

Photos by others on this survey

Marcus Ng


Fiori Li


Low Liong Leong

Myra Khoo


James Dvc


Mathias Luk

Amy Woon


Isaac Ong