Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey 2010‐2013

Background

• Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world

Rich marine biodiversity‐ 256 spp of hard corals‐12 spp of seagrass‐31 spp of mangrove‐ Over 100 spp intertidal sponges

Objectives of the �Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey�

• To systematically and comprehensively take stock of Singapore�s marine biodiversity

• To further strengthen and support Singapore�s sustainability credentials and

• To build local capacity on marine biodiversity.

Timeline Jun 09 The Blue Plan Group submitted the Singapore Blue Plan

2009 to the government

Aug 09 NParks initiated meeting with RMBR, TMSI, NUS, NTU to discuss the survey

Jan-Apr 10 Sought funding for the marine survey

May 10 Secured $500 000 for Visiting Scientists Programme fromMay 10 Secured $500,000 for Visiting Scientists Programme from Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd, of which $300,000 was set aside for the marine survey.

Jun 10 Preliminary discussions on survey operations

7 July Briefing to NGOs, academia and stakeholders

8 July Media briefing

What it entails

3‐year survey

of our coastal and marine habitats

Action Plan Activity 1:

In progress

Extent and distribution of Singapore�s coastal and marine habitats

Activity 2 and 3:

Action Plan Time Frame

Activity 1: ‐Review and Gap Analysis‐Planning Stage

1 year

Activity 2:‐Survey of Southern Coast (intertidal and subtidal areas)

2 years

Execution stage where ground work to survey, collect, sort and identify samples up to family and general level

Activity 4:

Major expedition being planned for 2nd half of 2011

Activity 3:‐Survey of Northern Coast (Mangroves/Mudflats)

2 years

Activity 4:‐ Singapore Marine Biodiversity Expedition

2 months

NUS, NTU

Resource people

(Expertise)

Field support :

Corporate

Funding

Visiting Scientists Programme with Shell and RMBR

Blue Plan Group/ NGOs/ Individual

volunteers

Resource people (Expertise)

Field support :

Public agenciesPartners

Contributions

NParks (Lead Agency and Coordinator)

Operations

Resource people (Expertise)

Field support :pp

Boats and equipment

Manpower

Boats and equipment

Manpower

Boats and equipment

Manpower

Interested Volunteers

• Members of public who are interested to volunteer may register their interest through Ria Tan at hello@wildsingapore.com

• Or visit her website at• Or visit her website at www.wildsingapore.com

Deliverables

• Webpage documenting the full survey on NParks� website

• Consolidated and comprehensive database on Singapore�s marine biodiversitySingapore s marine biodiversity

• Talks and training workshops by visiting scientists

• Publications (Books, newsletters, popular articles, scientific papers)

Thank You

Board Briefing28 July 2010

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