Marine community fears loss of biodiversity hotspot to proposed western island development

Over the years, the authorities have made efforts to preserve marine biodiversity as the offshore islands are gradually developed for the country’s future needs.

For example, from September 2014 to January 2015, over 700 coral colonies and other species such as giant clams were relocated from Pulau Semakau to the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, as part of a move to convert a lagoon into a new landfill cell to meet Singapore’s future waste disposal needs.

In July 2015, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and volunteers from various environmental interest groups also relocated 2,300 hard coral colonies from Sultan Shoal to St John’s and Sisters’ Islands, to protect them from the impact of the Tuas Terminal development.

CONCERNS OF LOCAL DIVING COMMUNITY

Local diving operators told CNA that the island cluster is one of the few places in Singapore where divers can experience thriving marine biodiversity in the wild without travelling overseas.

Mr Martin Benedict, owner of local diving firm Marlin Divers, pointed out that Pulau Hantu is the only site in Singapore safe for regular diving, as its location shields divers from strong currents, making it suitable for beginners.

Its proximity to the mainland also makes it convenient for a day trip, he said. Around 50 divers visit the popular site every weekend day, he added.

Ms Serene Pek, co-owner of Cuddlefish Divers, said Pulau Hantu is often regarded as “the heart of Singapore’s recreational diving scene”.

“Despite being located within one of the world’s busiest ports, the waters around Pulau Hantu support diverse marine life, such as seahorses, nudibranchs, octopuses, cuttlefish, reef fish, stingrays, sharks and so many more,” she said.

It is not the only dive site in Singapore, but by far the most popular, she added.

Ms Pek said her firm is concerned about the potential impact of the island cluster’s development on the local diving industry and Singapore’s marine ecosystem.

“We started our business with local operations since day one … It’s been our bread and butter,” she said. 

Cuddlefish Divers has been operating for eight years. It organises local dive trips every weekend, with a total of four trips each accommodating up to 15 divers.

With full details and environmental assessments yet to be released, Ms Pek said reclamation activities could nonetheless affect water quality, underwater visibility, sedimentation patterns and marine habitats.

“If environmental conditions deteriorate or access becomes restricted, it may reduce the attractiveness and viability of local diving activities,” she said.

For now, her firm is awaiting further details about the reclamation plans and hopes to engage with the relevant stakeholders and agencies.

Mr Benedict said the development announced on Sunday would affect his company and he would lose “quite a lot of business”, especially since he operates only locally.

He may also consider pivoting to run dive trips overseas, though that would bring its own logistical headaches, he said.

“When it comes to marine biodiversity, it’s not simply that they will regrow somewhere else. There are things you can’t see on mainland Singapore,” he said.