Marina teems with vibrant sea life

Keppel Bay project receives global recognition for its preservation efforts
Chang Ai-Lien Straits Times 6 Nov 11;

It could have turned into a watery graveyard for aquatic denizens during the construction of Marina at Keppel Bay.

But now, the wharf on Keppel island has become an underwater sanctuary teeming with sea life. For that, it has also become the region's first to receive international recognition for such preservation efforts.

The development, completed in 2007 at a cost of $30 million, has been awarded Clean Marina Level 3 accreditation by the Marina Industries Association of Australia.

This is an industry body for owners and operators of marine storage facilities promoting the sustainable development of marinas.

The marina has been independently audited and has met the 124 environmental assessment criteria in areas such as fuelling, waste storage and disposal, emergency planning and management of environmental practices.

There is reason for the extra effort: Despite extensive industrialisation, Singapore's reefs remain rich.

Mr Trevor Fong, the marina's general manager, said: 'As eco-consciousness becomes increasingly widespread, Marina at Keppel Bay has upped the ante to ensure that we achieve a sustainable environment by incorporating best practices in environmental conservation.'

For instance, a vacuum pump- out system ensures that sewage from vessels is not discharged into the waters. Boat owners are also encouraged to use biodegradable washing liquids and detergents when cleaning their yachts.

Marina at Keppel Bay is part of the waterfront precinct of Keppel Bay, which comprises an office building and two residential properties. On land, it has been conferred the Green Mark Gold Award by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore.

Some of its green features include the installation of motion sensors, as well as flow-regulator taps and low-capacity water systems to reduce energy and water consumption within its clubhouse and food and beverage outlets.

It is the 26th development under Keppel Land to receive this green accolade since 2006.

Professor Peter Ng, director of the Tropical Marine Science Institute at the National University of Singapore, noted that while the green movement on land was maturing, the underwater one was just beginning.

'More and more people are beginning to appreciate nature in their backyards, so it's an advantage for developments to consider marine areas and make them as pristine as possible. It makes economic sense to do so,' he said.

Prof Ng, who is also head of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, added: 'We're sitting in the tropics. If you can get enough marine areas cleaned up, reduce the silt and leave the animals undisturbed, the marine life will come back on its own.'

OPEN CONCEPT TO BOOST GROWTH

Marina at Keppel Bay was built with an open concept - water is allowed to flow through the entire marina when the tides change. This is so nutrients and plankton vital for marine life and coral growth can flow through.

The team charts the marine life growth regularly, and strict policies are in place to ensure boaters play their part. For instance, a vacuum pump system is used to ensure sewage from vessels is not let out into the waters.

Boat owners are urged to use biodegradable detergents to clean their yachts.

Fishing is not allowed.

SAVING THE CORAL REEF

According to the Singapore Blue Plan 2009, compiled by a team of academics, environmental organisations and civil society groups, over 60 per cent of coral reefs here have been lost to development, with the rest threatened by climate change and pollution.

Sedimentation has also harmed corals here since the 1960s. Sediments coat and smother coral while reducing critical sunlight penetration, retarding their growth.

Often called the rainforests of the sea, coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems on earth. Although they cover only a tiny portion of the ocean's surface, they are home to a huge chunk of marine species.

Singapore's reef area covers less than 10 sq km, but it is home to over 250 hard coral species, almost one-third of the global total.

BUTTERFLIES OF THE SEA

Sixteen species of Butterfly fish have been recorded in Singapore. Their striking markings make them a popular aquarium species, although many do not do well in captivity.

This fish is among the rich collection that can be spotted at Keppel Bay. Its marina, located on Keppel island, is accessible by a bridge off Telok Blangah Road.

Visitors will see the colourful inhabitants darting around, and may even be lucky enough to spot rare sea turtles making an appearance.

The underwater conservation effort there was highlighted in Singapore Biodiversity - An Encyclopedia Of The Natural Environment And Sustainable Development, a book on Singapore's flora and fauna.

SEA FAN'S SLENDER BRANCHES OF LIFE

Sea fans, or gorgonians, are fairly common in Singapore, with more than 30 species recorded. Their slender branches are often home to tiny shrimp, crabs and other sea creatures.

Apart from hard coral - the foundation of the reef - Singapore's biodiversity also comprises a full spectrum of soft corals, sponges and sea fans, as well as molluscs, crustaceans and fish. Three species of giant clams have also been spotted.

Some of the sea animals and plants that have made the marina their home include the clownfish, the juvenile batfish, the tiger tail seahorse, the pink sponge, the sea slug, the broad feathery green seaweed and the oval sea grape seaweed.

GROUPS PITCH IN

The marina worked with independent conservation and nature groups to identify and capture the growth of various species there, and look at the best ways to conserve them.

Environmentalist Ria Tan, who runs nature website WildSingapore, was one of the people involved in the effort.

She said she had noticed good marine life there, including sea turtles and dolphins.

Ms Tan and other groups such as The Hantu Bloggers and Blue Water Volunteers were vital in recording and snapping sea life like the sand goby, from the surface as well as underwater.

'I think it's a wonderful effort that they're not only making it possible, but are also documenting sea life there,' she said.

'Hopefully other such developments will be encouraged to duplicate their success. It just takes building some pontoons for the marine creatures, and giving people a boardwalk to provide a view into the sea.'

More on Can beautiful marine life settle on our artificial structures? on wild shores of singapore and on the Marina at Keppel Bay website.