“Existing problems are broadly attributed to Climate Change. But what we are witnessing is the effect of over 40 years of inadequate and inefficient policy.” Dr. Chua Thia-Eng set the tone of the evening with that solemn statement, but quickly turned to lighten up the audience with the following graphic from The Economist:
Dr. Chua gave an insightful and inspirational talk about how policies can impact the future of our environment, and stressed the need for a holistic approach to address existing problems. He was also candid during this talk, saying “to be honest, I’m responsible for some of today’s problems because of the policies I influenced in the 70s.”
He said that “problems are inter-related, not exclusive” and that in order to safe-guard habitats, the roles of entire ecosystems have to be considered. He elaborated on the function of PEMSEA and discussed how he had been working relentlessly for over a decade to develop and initiate an integrated approach to sustainable coastal development. He likened the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) process to the ISO 14001 to illustrate its potential and methods.
“There is a need to improve policy efficiency… Sustainable development, we’ve not seen it.” Dr. Chua’s statements are less cynical than they are encouraging. His blunt comments help ground environmentalists and motivate them to strive for and achieve improved policy and methods. He reiterated throughout his talk the need for local governments to be prepared to get various stakeholders involved. He presented a few models in the region that have had successful responses to date since the implementation of ICM. He also highlighted the acute need to integrate international conventions to enhance policy.
“The east Asian region is a political, economic and pollution hotspot… East Asia is challenging the world…” Dr. Chua expressed that human survival and prosperity are inextricably linked and interconnected with what we do with nature and with ourselves as human beings. “It is us that determine our destiny on Earth, therefore we need to look at our own behaviour with nature.”
“One country can’t address all the problems alone, different countries have different capacities. There needs to be participation and partnership.” He said that to increase cost efficiency, Singapore needs to find a niche were we can play an important role. He said that given it’s history and political and economical structure, Singapore should “develop itself into a model for the region to address issues such as fresh water sanitation, landscaping, urban cities being able to sustain water, and developing cities as a watershed.” He “then punctuated the notion by saying “Singapore has not developed a vision yet.”
With all this talk about integration, it is crucial to be aware that we individuals, are not exempt from the process. As Dr. Chua mentioned, “our behaviour with nature” determines the shape of things to come. This “behaviour” doesn’t have to be literal or direct. Our consumer patterns, and things we do on a regular basis such the food we choose to eat (e.g. imported live reef fish vs. locally bred farm fish), can have a regional and domestic impact.
“Japan considers itself a developing country where ICM is concerned.” The ability to be humble and open to developing new ideas and approaches towards coastal development is fundamental to progress. Singapore being a state of the art nation may appear exempt from regional and global environmental issues, but the following facts may illustrate better how we should all be involved as care-takers of our coasts and oceans:
While Southeast Asia accounted for less than 10% of global area, 30% of the world’s reefs are found on our shores. It is also the location of the Coral Triangle, the richest centre of marine biological diversity.
60% of Southeast Asia’s population live within 60km of the coast, the highest proportion in the world. (For Singapore it’s 100%, though most Singaporeans may not be aware)
80% of species on Earth are found in our oceans
10% of the global population lives below 10m above sea level
80% of transport routes are in the seas (think about some of the things you own that might have arrived by sea)
97% of the water on Earth is in our oceans (thus making it the future source of freshwater)
The oceans produce 100 metric tonnes of fish worth over USD 85 million/year.
The oceans comprise 4-5% of the global ecomony. In China, it comprises 11%
Oceans help build and maintain our atmosphere
More links
More about PEMSEA Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia
The Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2008 was released in Washington, DC in December 2008. The survey of the health of the world’s coral reefs identifies which reefs are recovering and which are degrading.
The report shows that climate change impacts, for example, bleaching and ocean acidification, and man-made pressures are now the major threats to reefs worldwide – with all reefs effectively under threat of major losses. The report predicts that mankind has about a decade to reduce carbon emissions or there will be major losses of reefs through ocean acidification impacts.
Between 2004 and 2008, the condition of coral reefs improved in Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore but declined in Indonesia and Malaysia (however, many reefs were not assessed);
Coral reef area estimates of just under 100 000 km2 for the region are probably a gross overestimate; recent GIS analysis in Thailand and Singapore shows reef area is approximately 10 times lower, possibly because non-reef sea areas were previously included;
Losses of seagrass habitats are estimated at 30 – 60% in Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Singapore; but largely un-assessed in other SEA countries;
More than 50% of the region’s mangroves have been lost, with 10% of the losses occurring between 1993 and 2003;
An assessment of MPAs of East Asia in 2005–2007 showed the number of MPAs with coral reefs increased from 178 in 2003 to 403 in 2007;
This “Status of coral Reefs of the World: 2008” is under the auspices of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRNM) of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI).
Richard Willan will be in Singapore on the 14th of February 2009. Willan will share his experience of working with nudibranches and help us understand better the lives of these small and alluring creatures. For nudibranch fanatics in Singapore this a chance not to be missed.
Dr. Richard C. Willan has been studying nudibranchs for almost 40 years. He obtained his B.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Auckland studying the taxonomy and ecology of side-gilled sea slugs and sea hares. He then crossed the “ditch” as the Tasman Sea is popularly called to join the staff of the Zoology Department at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. After 12 years there, he moved into the tropics to take up the Curatorship in Molluscs at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin. He is a keen and still active diver. His research deals with the names (nomenclature), relationships (taxonomy) and evolutionary lineages (phylogeny) of nudibranchs (and other opisthobranchs – like bubble snails, sea hares, sap suckers and side-gilled sea slugs). He has published four books and numerous scientific papers on nudibranchs. Most recently he wrote the book “Undersea Jewels: A Colour Guide to Nudibranchs” with Gary Cobb. He has prepared several applications on the names of nudibranchs to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. He has supervised several postgraduate students working on research projects associated with nudibranchs.
A Game of Cat and Fish:
How to Restore the Balance in Sustainable Fisheries Management
BENJAMIN K. SOVACOOL
Centre on Asia and Globalisation
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
National University of Singapore
Singapore
Abstract:
This article argues that continued reliance on input/output controls and restrictions in fisheries management may be insufficient to protect global fish stocks. Instead, a transition beyond supply-side measures to those aimed at reducing demand for fish stocks may be necessary. The article offers a proposal for five types of demand-side or market-based measures: elimination of fishing subsidies, bolstering of import restrictions, ceasing trade in endangered and threatened fish stocks, strengthening civil and criminal penalties against illegal fishers, and pursuit of punitive trade sanctions against flag states flouting international fishery guidelines to help prevent and deter global overfishing.
Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore will be hosting a seminar on marine molecular ecology entitled:
New ways to look at old stuff? Investigating recently proposed molecular ecological diagnostics in marine mammals.
Speaker: Glenn Dunshea
PhD student, Antarctic Wildlife Research Unit, School of Zoology, University of Tasmania; Applied Marine Mammal Ecology, Australian Government Antarctic Division; and Ecological Detection Services Pty. Ltd. Date: Thursday, 12 February 2009 Time: 1030 hrs Location: TMSI Seminar Room, St John’s Island Host: Jeff Chouw
Please RSVP (tmscfw@nus.edu.sg) by 6th Feb 2009 to facilitate ferry transport arrangements.
Southeast Asia Launch of the Report on the
“Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2008”
in conjunction with
Public Lecture on
“Sustainable Development of Coasts and Oceans: threats, opportunities and responsible governance”
by Dr. Chua Thia-Eng Chair of the East Asian Seas Partnership Council of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
4th Feb 2009 Wednesday
6.30pm
Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
About the Book Launch:
This “Status of coral Reefs of the World:2008” is under the auspices of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRNM) of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). The lead author for the Southeast Asia chapter, Ms Karenne Tun of the National University of Singapore will be presenting a summary of the “Status of Coral Reefs in Southeast Asia 2008”.
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Synopsis of the Public Lecture
A brief introduction of ocean as the last frontier: its importance to the survival of mankind, its contribution to marine economy and the focus of human activities and culture in the 21st century. An analysis of old and new challenges (climate change, energy and financial crisis) to the security of the ocean and the new opportunities (including ecological and biological economies) arising from them. The need for developing and strengthening responsible ocean governance and activities and role and key activities of PEMSEA in promoting regional cooperation and partnership in addressing these challenges.
About the Speaker:
As the Chair of the East Asian Seas Partnership Council of the PEMSEA, Dr. Chua is also serving concurrently as a member of Research Council and Visiting Fellow of the Ocean Policy Research Foundation of Japan (2008- ), Chair Professor at the Coastal and Ocean Management Institute of Xiamen University (China) (2008- ) and Associate editor of the Oceans and Coastal Management Journal. He was a former academic staff member of University of Singapore, University of Science Malaysia and University of the Philippines. He had served in various capacities with UN and international organizations including ICLARM, FAO, IMO, GEF and UNDP. He has published more than 220 scientific papers, articles, reports and books. His recent books include “ The Dynamics of Integrated Coastal Management: Practical Applications in the Sustainable Coastal Development in East Asia” and “ Securing the Ocean” (chief editor). In recognition of his work, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China conferred him the prestigious “Friendship Award” in October,1997. The Royal Government of Cambodia conferred him the Sahak Metrey Medal in March 2002 by his majesty King Sihanouk. In 2006, he was recognized as one of the outstanding alumni of the National University of Singapore.
Dr. Chua completed his high school in Malaysia (1957) and undergraduate studies at Nanyang University (1963), postgraduate studies ( Diploma in Fisheries, Masters and doctorate degree) at the University of Singapore (1964-71) and postdoctorate at the University of Tokyo.
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For more information, contact Rachel/Shufen at 6465 1690/1.
Things got off to a windy start when we arrived at the Volvo Ocean Race Village at Sentosa Cove to set up our tables. Boards, posters, and flyers were literally taking off in the strong gusts that funnelled through the venue in the late morning. But with lots of BluTac and paper clips, exhibitors managed to hold down their exhibits in preparation for the crowds that were going to turn up!
But the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR) Toddycats seemed to have less of a problem with the wind. Once again, stunning the crowd with their curiously preserved animals. Nothing fazes them! Have specimen, will triumph!
Exhibitors employed various ways to draw crowds to their booths. Students and adults took to the fun and easy games at the Naked Hermit Crab booth.
The NParks Coral Nursery with their little coral tank bubbling with live coral, also made for an intriguing exhibit!
I was blessed to have Marcus fill in some time for me while I took a break from the booth (that is, running around to document the event!). Marcus is usually found at nature events masquerading as a photographer but is in actuality a die hard nature activities volunteer. He was cameoing at all the different booths throughout the day, dropping in a word or two to the public about Singapore’s submerged wild places!
Thanks for the link to the video. I think this is the common spotted-tailed one, in its greenish-grey form. Sargassum frogfish are orangey-brown with pale patches and have longer limbs (fins). – Kelvin Lim, Curator of FIshes, Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research
Thank’s to James Costello for sharing this video with the blog via YouTube.
But the thing is that Okenia purpurata, according to The Sea Slug Forum, has 4 to 5 gills. Whereas, the ones found at Hantu as shown in the pics above have only 3 gills. Moreover, both the Forum and the book stated that Okenia purpurata is Australia endemic.
[According to] three nudibranch experts (Dr Richard Willan, David W. Behrens and Neville Coleman) … they all agreed that it looks similar to Okenia purpurata. With Dr Richard Willam temporarily naming it as Okenia cf purpurata.
This means that it could be Okenia purpurata or something closely related or looks quite like it. This also mean that its ID will remain a mystery until further study can be done about its internal anatomy.
Shell Bukom Refinery: Grey and cloudy skies threatened the prospect of rain as we entered the water
The last dive of the year! We were all set for a good one but the weather was testing all of us. Despite the week-long monsoon rains (which have arrived late and scattered this year) the sun shone intensely this Saturday afternoon. Almost as if to mock us, the water was frigidly cold and divers donned their hoods and hotskins under their wetsuits (though some chose to fight the cold in their boardshorts). “Hydriods!” some of the divers warned… Because it was a boat full of Divemaster Trainees and Hantu first-timers! We were in for a treat, and I was stressed out about the underwater conditions, hoping that these introductory divers would have a fun, encouraging, and eventful dive.
Large crinoid/feather star
As with all weekends during the monsoon season, Hantu gets a little bit more crowded. Those who missed the opportunity to dive during the dive season chug down to Hantu for a quick fix. Two other dive boats were at the site when we arrived, lots of divers in the murky depths, and lots of silt stirred up. “The silt takes a long time to settle.” I informed the divers in an attempt to defend the waters and the reef. The truth is, with an assortment of activity that goes on around the island, it’s very hard to pinpoint what exactly is the cause of the turbid waters at any one point in time.
Jellyfish heading for the warmer shallows
“Argh! Jellyfish!” Ming Sheng, one of the reef guides who’s returning from a hiatus in Borneo exclaims, “They’re back!” Well, there were a few floating around, but not as many as several months back. Despite the pain they threaten, jellyfish beautiful and transfixing animals to observe. We’re lucky the ones that are commonly found around here aren’t too venomous. No one got stung by any jellyfish, though some did bear the scorn of hydriods.
First-time Hantu diver, Allan, peers through the murky water. Allan and I spotted an octopus on our first dive.
Today Hantu lived up to it’s infamous reputation. But some were still disappointed because they wanted to experience extreme low visibility conditions (read: “I couldn’t see my own hand!”) but as this picture is proof, you could well see beyond your own hand. Diving in Hantu has not been about appreciating underwater vistas. It’s always been about the critters and the exploration. The peering into crevices and dark holes with a torch to see what you might stirr up! Hantu is also good for appreciating the reef and coral, which is often over looked when they occur in huge expanses. It forces the diver to slow down and investigate. And it’s almost always rewarding to the diver who manages to literally, look past the silt.
Whip goby
Some of our divers were also armed with cameras and probably encountered a kind of self discovery when pushed to photograph in Hantu’s dark and turbid waters! With the amount of slit floating about, the camera’s auto focus sometimes focused on the drifting particles instead! It was hilarious.
Blue dragon nudibranch
One of the reasons I’m talking about the silt is because people seem to love to ask about it. And through the years of talking to divers, initially trying to avoid the topic all together, I’ve realised there’s really no harm in discussing it. Perhaps it’s even necessary to reiterate the fact the waters around Hantu are usually low visibility (though they can clear up to 6m during certain seasons). The Hantu Blog has come to embrace the reputation of Hantu’s “muck diving” because we still manage a good time regardless, and those who keep their eyes open still manage to learn something everytime, and it’s not about silt. We already knew about that.
Ceratosoma nudibranch
Records of new animals continue to pop around at Hantu and it’s surrounding waters, and that has inspired many divers and researchers to continue to trawl Hantu’s tiny reefs in search of a well hidden discovery.
Sea Maiden Fan
It was very exciting to learn that the above sponge was one of 40 new records of sponges in Singapore. We’ve observed this sponge for several years during our dives and it’s fortunately, relatively common on our reefs. However, the first time it seems to be photographed is in 2004 when I took a picture of my first encounter with a seahorse! The seahorse had it’s tail coiled around the “stem” of the sponge sans the fan-like protuberance.
Black coral
“How did you spot this coral? It looks just like the rest!” Questioned one of the divers when I emerged with this picture. Several years back I attended the 13th Conference of Parties to the CITES as a member of the press. It was at that CoP that the Black Coral and inanimate marine objects/substrates such as unique rocks and sand gained protection under the CITES. It was an unprecedented and important event for regulating the trade and exploitation of marinelife. Almost everytime I spot this very special coral on a dive, I cannot resist taking a photograph of it because it represents the hope of a future for all marine life.
February 9, 2009 
Posted in Announcements, Seminars 
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Dr. Richard C. Willan has been studying nudibranchs for almost 40 years. He obtained his B.Sc. and Ph.D. from the 
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