New marine species discovered in Singapore

Olivia Siong Channel NewsAsia 27 May 13;

SINGAPORE: More than 100 new records and discoveries of marine species have been found in Singapore.

Fourteen species have been identified as possibly new to science and 80 new records for Singapore have been found.

The survey is now at its halfway mark, with scientists and volunteers having collected some 30,000 marine specimens from surveying Singapore's mudflats, seabeds and reef habitats.

Ivan Kwan, one of the volunteers, said: "When I, like, for instance manage to find a funny looking crab, it's really the excitement of possibly being a part of the whole scientific process and really discovering what's in Singapore."

About 10 species that have not been seen in Singapore waters for a long time have also been rediscovered.

One of these, the "Feather Star", was last recorded in the 19th century.

Deputy CEO for NParks, Dr Leong Chee Chiew, said the survey will help conservation efforts.

"We are starting to appreciate and understand more clearly how rich the biodiversity in our waters are, and this is in spite of Singapore being so built up. It will help us to target some of our projects better," Dr Leong added.

Researchers are now in the midst of a three-week long expedition at Singapore's southern shore.

They will survey reef habitats and the seabed from the shallow subtidal to deeper waters in the Singapore Strait and the southern islands of Singapore.

Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin got a firsthand look.

He joined the team for a dive -- which is typically about five to 30 metres deep -- and despite the murky waters, 12 possible new records were found after just a week.

But there are some challenges involved.

Professor Peter Ng, director at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Tropical Marine Science Institute explained: "When we're dredging in the deep, these are parts of the shipping lanes, so the safety measures have to go up many times.

"At the end of the day, our research vessels are dwarfed by all these giants out there, and we are one of the busiest ports in the world. So that adds several layers of challenges for us."

And the possibilities are endless as the survey continues.

- CNA/fa/al

Species possibly new to science found in seas here
Researchers on S'pore's first marine life census hope to discover more
Grace Chua Straits Times 28 May 13;

A THUMB-SIZE crab that has only six legs, another that shares a burrow with a worm and a sea anemone that looks as if it wears lipstick - these denizens of Singapore's seas could be completely new to science.

The discoveries are part of a five-year Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey started in 2010, led by the National Parks Board (NParks).
And researchers trawling Singapore for its first marine life census are hoping to find even more as the five-year Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey is just at its halfway mark.

This week, they plan to dredge Singapore's deepest waters, up to 200m deep.

So far, some 30,000 specimens have been collected in the survey by the National Parks Board (NParks) and National University of Singapore (NUS). Among them are at least 16 species possibly new to science.

"The nicer thing than finding new species is finding old friends," said Professor Peter Ng, director of NUS' Tropical Marine Science Institute.

For instance, a brightly patterned zebra crab not seen since the 1960s turned up last year at the islands south of Singapore.

Yesterday, Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Chuan-Jin dropped in on St John's Island, where the survey's southern-islands expedition is currently under way till June 7.

Mr Tan, who is Acting Manpower Minister, also visited a reef off Pulau Tekukor, a former ammunition dump between Sentosa and St John's Island. He went scuba diving with survey staff to see sea fans and sponges.

The southern expedition is more challenging than the previous one to Singapore's northern seas and shores last October, said Prof Ng. The area surveyed this year, which spans from Jurong to Changi, is at least three times bigger than the northern region, and includes busy shipping lanes. Each day, teams venture out as early as 4am to reefs exposed during low tide, collecting octopuses, leatherjacket fish, sea stars, anemones and others.

Will Singapore ever have a gazetted marine reserve? That is a complex issue, Prof Ng said. "I would say we are on the road towards a reserve. It depends a lot on the sentiments of the people." While the survey, which began in December 2010, will identify biodiversity hot spots that merit protection, he added, "once you set a reserve... we cannot backtrack after that".

NParks' National Biodiversity Centre director Lena Chan noted there are other ways to protect biodiversity. For instance, some sea walls here are now designed to try to invite coral to grow.

The survey is running on more than $800,000 donated by companies like Shell, HSBC's Care-for-Nature Trust, Asia Pacific Breweries and Air Liquide, as well as public funding. But another $1.5 million will be needed.

Over 100 new marine species discovered in Singapore
Fabian Koh Straits Times 27 May 13;

Researchers have identified the "Lipstick" sea anemone in the mudflats of Pulau Ubin. Distinguishable by its distinctive red mouth, it is possibly a completely new species to be discovered in the world. Another species that may not have been recorded anywhere else in the world before, is the orange-clawed mangrove crab, found in coastal mangroves.

The two are part of 14 species identified as possibly new to science, in the five-year Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS) conducted by NParks and the National University of Singapore's Tropical Marine Science Institute. Launched in 2010, it has collected some 30,000 specimens through surveys in mudflats, seabeds and reef habitats. Through this, 10 species have also been rediscovered, such as a species of large coastal catfish last seen in Singapore waters over 100 years ago.

Last Tuesday, a second marine biodiversity expedition began. The three-week expedition aims to carry out a biodiversity survey of marine life in the "Singapore Deeps" - waters exceeding 80 to 100 metres in depth - a habitat that is mostly unexplored. Local scientists will be aided by 25 internationally renowned scientists from 10 countries.

Mr Leong Chee Chiew, deputy chief executive of NParks said: "The survey reminds us of the significant progress we have made in conserving our natural heritage. It is very important that we continue working with the community to nurture healthy ecosystems and promote the appreciation of our rich biodiversity to future generations of Singaporeans."

More marine species discovered in second phase of expedition
Woo Sian Boon Today Online 28 May 13;

SINGAPORE — A dozen species that could be new to science have been discovered in the second phase of a marine biodiversity expedition to take stock of the reef habitats and seabeds of the Singapore Strait and the southern islands.

The three-week-long expedition began a week ago, and is jointly conducted by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the National University of Singapore’s Tropical Marine Science Institute.

It will see about 100 local scientists and volunteers, including 25 international biodiversity experts, trawl shallow subtidal habitats of 5m to 100m, to deeper waters of up to 200m.

Said Professor Peter Ng, Director of the NUS Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and Tropical Marine Science Institute: “It’s quite exciting because we are surveying places we have never gone to before. For example, we are dredging into the ‘Singapore Deeps’ just offshore (St John’s Island), and these are waters going down about 100m to 200m deep.”

Data on marine fauna are collected through scuba diving, coral brushing and hand-collecting species during low-tide. To reach deeper waters, specialised equipment such as dredges, epibenthic sleds and otter trawls are also utilised.

The species discovered that could be new to science include species of the Peanut Worm Crab, the Six-legged Crab and a type of crinoid known as the Feather star.

Conducting a biodiversity survey along the southern islands is not without challenges, said Prof Ng, noting that the sampling area is large and intersected by busy shipping lanes.

“When you’re diving in these kinds of waters, there are all sorts of guidelines to follow. Even when dredging ... our research vessels are dwarfed by all these giant (ships) as we are one of the biggest ports in the world, so that adds several layers of challenges for us. Foremost is safety. It’s a huge juggling act,” he said.

Senior Minister of State (National Development) Tan Chuan-Jin yesterday visited St John’s Island to view some of the specimens discovered, and took the opportunity to dive in the waters off the island.

The first expedition — held in October last year — surveyed the seabed, mangroves and muddy, sandy and rocky shores along the Johor Strait.

The expeditions are part of Singapore’s first Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey — a five-year initiative started in 2010 and led by NParks to take stock of Singapore’s marine ecosystems.

Currently at its halfway mark, about 30,000 specimens have been collected so far. Of these, 80 species were spotted for the first time locally.

Another 10 species such as the Digger Crab, Zebra Crab and Neptune’s Cup sponge — last seen more than 50 to 100 years ago — have been rediscovered, while 14 other species have been identified as possibly new to science.

NParks Deputy Chief Executive Officer Leong Chee Chiew the survey will aid in Singapore’s marine conservation efforts.

“We will be better able to identify what to do in various areas of our seas. Because we know more, our efforts can be much more targeted and more effective,” he said.

More than 100 new records and discoveries of marine species in Singapore. More possible discoveries from marine biodiversity expedition now underway at Southern Islands.
NParks media release 27 May 13;

Singapore, 27 May 2013 - Launched in 2010, the five-year Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS) has collected some 30,000 specimens through surveys conducted in mudflats, seabeds and reef habitats. Of these, 14 species have been identified as possibly new to science, more than 80 new records for Singapore have been found and about 10 species have been rediscovered.

Dr Leong Chee Chiew, Deputy CEO of NParks and Commissioner of Parks & Recreation said, "Singapore commemorates 50 Years of Greening this year, and the survey reminds us of the significant progress we have made in conserving our natural heritage. It is very important that we continue working with the community to nurture healthy ecosystems and promote the appreciation of our rich biodiversity to future generations of Singaporeans."

Rare discoveries from the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey

One of 14 species identified as possibly new to science is the "Lipstick" sea anemone. Found in the mudflats at Pulau Ubin, this predatory animal has a distinctive red mouth and may not have been recorded anywhere else in the world. Another species identified as possibly new to science is the orange-clawed mangrove crab found in coastal mangroves and a small goby, nicknamed "Zee" found in mudflats off Lim Chu Kang.

New records for Singapore include species of jellyfish, stinging nettles, bristleworms, marine slugs, crabs, sea cucumbers, and fishes. Some crabs were also rediscovered during the survey. The zebra crab, found in the Southern islands, was last seen in the early 1960s. A rarely seen tree-climbing Nipah crab was predicted to be in Singapore 20 years ago but was not confirmed till 2012. Another interesting rediscovery is a species of large coastal catfish last seen in Singapore waters over 100 years ago. Please refer to Annex A for more details on the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey.

Prof Peter Ng, Director of NUS' Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and Tropical Marine Science Institute, said, "Many small and interesting species have not been sampled or studied before, and what we now know is only a small proportion of what is actually there. The second marine expedition will survey, study and document the marine biodiversity of the Singapore Strait to help Singapore build up a strong baseline for future environmental studies. This will include, for the first time, surveying for marine life in the "Singapore Deeps" - waters exceeding 80-100 metres in depth - a habitat hitherto unsampled."

Singapore's second marine biodiversity expedition (21 May to 7 June 2013)

NParks and National University of Singapore's Tropical Marine Science Institute have begun its second marine biodiversity expedition as part of CMBS. The first marine expedition, held in October last year, surveyed the Johor Straits.

The three-week expedition will carry out a biodiversity survey of reef habitats and the seabed from the shallow subtidal (5-100 m) to deeper waters (up to 200 m depth) in the Singapore Strait and the southern islands of Singapore.

Data on marine fauna are collected through scuba diving, coral brushing, hand-collecting during low tide, and using specialised equipment such as dredges, epibenthic sleds and otter trawls. Since the start of the expedition on 21 May, 12 diving, dredging and intertidal surveys have been carried out, including night coral reef surveys conducted at night. Twenty-two more surveys are planned until the end of the expedition on 7 June. Refer to Annex B for more details on the expedition programme.

Aiding our local scientists to collect and identify specimens is a group of 25 internationally renowned scientists from 10 countries. These scientists are experts in their own field of study, with interests ranging from crustaceans, molluscs, sea anemones, seagrasses and sponges.

Many of the scientists have seen the possibilities of new findings during their previous visits, and they are here again in anticipation of making further discoveries. Refer to Annex C for the list of local and international scientists. Apart from the scientists, the expedition also involves conservation officers, nature groups and volunteers from 18 to 60 years old. In particular, the expedition will involve 50 volunteers.

Annex A
About the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey
Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world. Yet we have very rich marine biodiversity. Singapore’s waters harbour some 250 species of hard corals, or a third of the world’s hard coral species. Half the number of seagrass species in the Indo- Pacific region can be found within Singapore’s waters. More than 100 species of inter-tidal sponges have been recorded and many more are likely to be observed in the survey.

We have achieved this through delicately balancing development and biodiversity conservation, which is something that we will need to continue doing given our limited space and resources.

In order for Singapore to remain a sustainable coastal city as we continue to urbanise, we need to better integrate the management of our coastal and marine environments. The start to this is to know comprehensively and understand our marine biodiversity, what we have, where they are and how best to conserve them.

Singapore’s first Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey is a five-year national initiative to take stock of our marine ecosystems, species diversity and distribution of marine life. The survey, led by the National Parks Board, will bring together the larger community of experts from tertiary institutions, non-governmental organisations and individual enthusiasts.

The CMBS has received widespread support from both local and international communities. More than $800,000 has been raised so far through corporate sponsorships to the NUS and NParks’ Garden City Fund, a registered charity and IPC. Organisations which have contributed to the CMBS so far include Asia Pacific Breweries, Care-for-Nature Trust Fund, Shell Companies in Singapore and The Air Liquide Group. Refer to Annex D.

Some 350 local volunteers have also contributed in various aspects of the CMBS, including photography, outdoor field sampling and collection, specimen processing, database support as well as organising outreach programmes.

In the first phase (from Dec 2010), some 12,000 specimens were collected which included 60 surveys of intertidal mudflat habitats. These habitats included Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Lim Chu Kang and Mandai. Some of the organisms found included ribbon worms, flatworms, peanut worms, bristleworms, horseshoe crabs, painted porcelain crab (porcellanella picta) and even a species of moray eel. One new record for Singapore is the Leonnates cf. crinitus, a worm last discovered in Australia 20 years ago. Mudflat surveys were recently completed.

In the second phase (from May 2012), seabed surveys documented some 4,000 specimens belonging to more than 60 species using naturalist's dredges and trawls. A highlight of the survey was the rediscovery of the primitive fish Amphioxus, which has not been seen in Singapore since the 1950s.

The three-week first marine biodiversity expedition (15 – 29 October 2012) collected about 12,000 specimens from both subtidal and intertidal habitats including the seabed, mangroves, as well as from muddy, sandy and rocky shores. The expedition garnered five new possible species, 40 new records and two rediscoveries for Singapore to-date. The expedition involved 150 local scientists, conservation officers and volunteers from 15 to 60 years of age. A team of 20 renowned scientists from ten countries participated in the expedition together with local counterparts.

CMBS findings are updated on the website: www.nparks.gov.sg/cmbs

Links to other Annexes in the NParks media release
Annex B
Annex C
Annex D
Annex E