Sisters’ Island Park Public Gallery opens

LAURA ELIZABETH PHILOMIN Today Online 15 Jul 15;

SINGAPORE — Nature lovers who want a glimpse of Singapore's over 250 species of hard corals and over 100 species of reef fish will now get a chance to do so, with the opening of the Sisters' Island Park Public Gallery today (July 15).

The public will learn more of Singapore's marine biodiversity through informational panels and a 3D exhibition for non-divers of the two new dive trails at Sisters' Island slated to open later this year.

Viewing pools to observe marine organisms such as giant clams and fishes up close, a controlled mangrove ecosystem and guided public walks on St John's Island through inter-tidal and mangrove habitats will also be ready by the end of next year.

The gallery, opened by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), is located at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre on St John's Island, housed together with the TMSI marine laboratory.

"The new gallery and centre will offer more opportunities for the public to gain a deeper appreciation of Singapore's marine biodiversity," said President Tony Tan at the opening. "As Singapore continues to develop and urbanise, it is important to involve the various segments of our society in conserving Singapore's natural heritage for future generations of Singaporeans."

The gallery is open daily from 10am to 2.30pm on weekdays, 10am to 3.30pm on Saturdays and 10am to 5.30pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Admission is free but members of the public will have to pay for ferry services, which run regularly to St John's Island from Marina South Pier.

President opens marine park gallery
Ariel Lim Straits Times 16 Jul 15;

The Neptune's cup sponge was thought to be extinct for over a century until it was rediscovered off Singapore's coast in 2011.

It is one of the species visitors can learn about in the new Sisters' Islands Marine Park Public Gallery on St John's Island, which was opened by President Tony Tan Keng Yam yesterday.

The 30 sq m gallery showcases the biodiversity in Singapore waters, particularly its first marine park. It features a diorama of the marine life that visitors can expect to encounter on the two dive trails there which will open in September, including rare sponges as well as other species such as sea stars and nudibranchs.

Part showcase and part education, the gallery will also inform visitors of efforts by the National Parks Board (NParks) to protect marine biodiversity in the park, such as its work with the Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore to boost the population of endangered giant clams.

Guests will also soon get to see the real thing.

Viewing pools containing species that inhabit the park will be set up by the end of next year.

Another 30 sq m or so will be set aside for a controlled mangrove ecosystem which Dr Karenne Tun, deputy director of the coastal and marine branch of NParks' National Biodiversity Centre, said could be used for research projects.

The marine park comprises 40ha of sea around Sisters' Islands and along the western reefs of St John's Island and Pulau Tekukor.

The two dive trails were planned as part of NParks' Marine Conservation Action Plan, Singapore's first official plan to protect its marine heritage. That scheme followed the Singapore Blue Plan 2009, a proposal by academics and civil society groups that called for a marine survey and marine nature reserves.

President Tan viewed two presentations by students from the School of Science and Technology and Ang Mo Kio Secondary School.

He said: "We have a very rich national habitat, solid range of biodiversity. This is a treasure which we have to preserve, conserve and grow, not only for present generations of Singaporeans but also for many more generations of Singaporeans to come."

The gallery is open daily.

5 things about the Sisters' Islands, Singapore's first marine park
Fabian Koh Straits Times 15 Jul 15;

Singapore's southern Sisters' Islands, together with its surrounding waters, has been designated as the first ever marine park in the nation's history.

A new Sisters' Islands Marine Park Public Gallery, on St John's Island, was opened by President Tony Tan Keng Yam on July 15, 2015.

The 30 sq m gallery showcases the biodiversity in Singapore waters, particularly its first marine park. It features a diorama of the marine life that visitors can expect to encounter on the two dive trails there which will open in September 2015, including rare sponges as well as other species such as sea stars and nudibranchs.

Here are some things you might be curious to know about Sister's Islands:

1. The Legend

A very long time ago, there were two sisters named Minah and Lina, who were inseparable.

One day, a pirate came along and sought younger sister Lina's hand in marriage, but she rejected him as she did not want to be away from Minah. The pirate then kidnapped Lina and brought her onto his boat.

In a desperate attempt to save her younger sister, Minah jumped into the water and swam after the boat, but soon started drowning. Upon seeing this, Lina freed herself from the pirate and jumped into the water to save her sister. But a large wave engulfed them and everyone died.

When the storm subsided, the sisters were gone, but two islands emerged at the spot they had perished.

Big Sister's Island, also known as Pulau Subar Laut (3.9ha), and Little Sister's Island, otherwise known as Pulau Subar Darat (1.7ha), are now collectively called the Sisters' Islands.

It is said that every year on the day the islands were formed, there would be heavy rain and thunderstorms.

2. The marine park

The 40ha park, the size of about 50 football fields, will include the western reefs and seashore areas of nearby Pulau Tekukor, a former ammunition dump, and St John’s Island, currently home to research and recreational facilities.

The intertidal area at the marine park is most suitable for visitors during low tides of 0.4 metres and below. That is when you will be able to see all the marine life which are otherwise underwater and out of sight.

Guided walks are conducted free of charge. Each session had been capped at a maximum of 15 people, but raised to 45 upon high demand.

These trips are opened for public registration in phases at www.nparks.gov.sg/sistersislandsmarinepark. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park will protect Singapore’s coral reefs, which support an ecosystem consisting of rare species of seahorses, clams and other marine life.

Notably, over 250 species of hard corals can be found in Singapore’s waters, 32 per cent of the global total.

NParks will conduct studies to work out how many people currently visit the islands, how many the area can handle, and which areas are safest to walk in. It will also install stepping-stones or boardwalks to give public access while protecting delicate areas.

3. Getting there

For those who signed up with the NParks tours, transport to and from the islands will be provided.

For others, Singapore Island Cruise provides a private charter service from Marina South Pier to the Sisters' Islands.

A two-way trip would cost $400 for a boat that can sit up to 12 people, for one day. An average boat ride to the island takes 40 minutes.

Once there, you can swim and snorkel around the lagoons and reefs.

Camping is also possible, but do remember to apply for a permit.

While having a picnic at the Sisters’ Islands, do not share your food with the local long-tailed macaques. These monkeys can be aggressive. Do not leave food unattended, and clear all rubbish properly into the monkey-proof bins provided.

4. A safe haven

Located close to one of the world’s busiest ports, the marine park will provide a refuge for the vast marine wildlife around the Sisters' Islands and its surrounding waters.

One of the research projects planned at the new park is the reintroduction of giant clams, which are endangered in Singapore.

On Tuesday, Dr Neo Mei Lin, 28, a research fellow at the Tropical Marine Science Institute, planted a lab-grown giant clam underwater off Big Sister's Island.

The area has all along been rich in marine life.

In 2011, for instance, the Neptune’s Cup sponge, long thought to be extinct, was rediscovered off St John’s Island.

5. Success of the Blue Plan

In 2009, civil society groups had presented a Blue Plan. It was the most comprehensive proposal yet to save Singapore’s coral reefs, and called for the Government to formally designate high-biodiversity areas. Among them were Sisters' Islands and the southern islands.

The marine conservation Blue Plan, over a year in the making, was compiled by a team of academics, environmental organisations and civil society groups.

Calls to save Singapore’s reefs date back to the 1980s and 1990s, and the Blue Plan was one in a long line of proposals.

Sisters' Islands Marine Park Public Gallery to have seminar room, teaching lab
AsiaOne 15 Jul 15;

SINGAPORE - The newly opened Sisters' Islands Marine Park Public Gallery on St John's Island will include a seminar room and teaching lab to facilitate talks and activities for schools visitors.

According to a media release by the National Parks Board (NParks), the public will be able to observe marine organisms on display in viewing pools and a mangrove ecosystem.

There will also be guided public walks at the various habitats on St John's Island.

President Tony Tan who officiated the opening of the gallery said: "The new Gallery and Centre will offer more opportunities for the public to gain a deeper appreciation of Singapore's marine biodiversity. As Singapore continues to develop and urbanise, it is important to involve the various segments of our society in conserving Singapore's natural heritage for future generations of Singaporeans."

Meanwhile, come end September, dive enthusiasts will be able to explore the new dive trails off Big Sister's Island by registering with approved dive operators.

The gallery is open daily from 10am to 2.30pm on weekdays, 10am to 3.30pm on Saturdays and 10am to 5.30pm on Sundays and Public Holidays to coincide with the timings of the regular ferry services.

It is a 10-minute walk from the jetty and regular ferry services to St John's Island from Marina South Pier are available twice on weekdays and up to five times on weekends and public holidays.

President Tony Tan opens the Sisters' Islands Marine Park Public Gallery
New gallery provides more opportunities to learn about Singapore’s marine biodiversity
NParks press release 15 Jul 15;

President Tony Tan Keng Yam today opened the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery on St John’s Island. This Gallery will feature the rich marine biodiversity in Singapore's waters and provide an overview of the Sisters' Islands Marine Park, including a 3D diorama of its dive trails. A seminar room and teaching lab are also provided as extensions to the Gallery. This will facilitate talks, seminars and teaching activities for school and community groups.

By end 2016, the public will also be able to observe marine organisms on display in viewing pools and a mangrove ecosystem, which is an area where mangroves can be planted under controlled conditions to facilitate experiments for research projects. A wider range of outreach programmes will also be rolled out to encourage greater appreciation of our natural heritage. This includes guided public walks at the various habitats on St John’s Island.

President Tony Tan said, “The new Gallery and Centre will offer more opportunities for the public to gain a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s marine biodiversity. As Singapore continues to develop and urbanise, it is important to involve the various segments of our society in conserving Singapore’s natural heritage for future generations of Singaporeans.”

This new public gallery serves to complement the outreach programmes at the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park was announced on 12th July 2014 and serves as a platform for outreach, educational, conservation and research activities related to our native marine biodiversity. Singapore’s first Marine Park spans about 40 hectares, encompassing Sisters’ Islands and the western reefs of both St John’s Island and Pulau Tekukor. Since August 2014, volunteers have led monthly public guided walks on Big Sister’s Island to showcase the marine biodiversity found on our shores. From end September 2015, dive enthusiasts will be able to explore the new dive trails off Big Sister’s Island by registering with approved dive operators. The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Dive Trails will operate with underwater signboards which serve both as station markers and underwater educational resources. Divers will also be encouraged to contribute towards the upkeep of the dive trails, for example, by helping to keep the station signboards clean using brushes provided.

The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery is open daily from 10am to 2.30pm on weekdays, 10am to 3.30pm on Saturdays and 10am to 5.30pm on Sundays and Public Holidays to coincide with the timings of the regular ferry services. The public gallery is a 10 minute walk from the jetty. Regular ferry services to St John’s Island from Marina South Pier are available twice on weekdays and up to five times on weekends and public holidays.

The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery will form a part of the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre, which is a partnership between the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) of the National University of Singapore.

NParks has been working closely with researchers from TMSI on marine research programmes as part of ongoing conservation efforts. Collaborative projects between both organisations include the giant clam mariculture and species recovery projects, in which these and other endangered species are grown and nurtured in the laboratory before being reintroduced back into the waters of the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. With the new Centre, closer proximity between both research teams will enable more opportunities to share relevant knowledge and expertise.

Marine eco-toxicity biomonitoring programme

Other marine-related educational programmes include the marine eco-toxicity biomonitoring programme. Six schools have signed up for the 2015 run of the three-year programme, adding on to the previous ten schools which signed up in the programme’s first year. Some 130 secondary school and JC students have participated in the marine eco-toxicity biomonitoring programme since it was initiated in May 2014. The programme has been carried out at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Punggol Jetty and may subsequently include locations along the southern coast like West Coast Park and East Coast Park.

Marine fauna subjected to pollution often become stressed and suffer from impaired body functioning. The impact of pollution on these fauna may then affect the entire ecosystem, a condition known as eco-toxicity. Filter feeders such as mussels accumulate such pollutants and toxins from the environment, which make them ideal indicators of environmental contamination. Assessing the extent of the pollutants’ impact on individual organisms thus provides an indication of the quality of their physical environment and how affected the entire ecosystem is. By carrying out physiological, behavioural and DNA tests on green mussels (Perna viridis) and other coastal organisms, students would be able to assess the health of waters in our coastal areas.

The marine eco-toxicity biomonitoring programme is part of NParks’ suite of national citizen science programmes which aim to encourage the public to learn more about our natural heritage. These programmes also provide an avenue for the public to play an active role in contributing to organised research efforts through the collection of large quantities of data. The information collected will in turn guide the development of long term conservation management strategies for various habitats.