Dive into action: How you can help protect our ocean’s splendour

Have you ever envisioned the vibrant tapestry of marine life that once flourished in Singapore’s warm waters? Or wished to learn more about protecting our seas from those at the forefront of local conservation? 

Indeed, there was a time when Singapore’s waters were teeming with diverse marine life. However, decades of development – coupled with global warming and other human activities – have taken a toll on Singapore’s coral reefs. Roughly 60 per cent of the city-state’s original coral reefs have vanished, impacting countless marine species.

To shine a spotlight on this issue, S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa presents Ocean Fest 2024: Righting the Future. This event invites visitors to learn about Singapore’s rich marine heritage and understand their role in shaping a brighter future for our ocean. 

WHY MARINE BIODIVERSITY MATTERS TO EVERYONE

The fifth edition of Ocean Fest runs from now till Jul 19, and is dedicated to highlighting the urgency of marine conservation. Despite ongoing efforts, there’s much to be done to protect our seas and their native inhabitants. 

A decline in marine biodiversity not only affects the underwater ecosystem, but also sends ripples through our interconnected world. Disrupted food chains and habitat destruction threaten species that have existed for millennia. This decline also hampers the ocean’s ability to mitigate climate change and jeopardises global food security, medical advancements and human health.

In addition to learning about S.E.A. Aquarium’s marine conservation initiatives – spanning from coastal clean-ups to citizen science programmes where volunteers get hands-on training in coastal survey methods – visitors will embark on an immersive journey that traces the past, celebrates the present and explores the myriad ways we can safeguard the future of our seas.

CAPTIVATING EXHIBITIONS AND INSPIRING STORIES

Ocean Fest attendees can delve into Singapore’s underwater realm through the evocative works of local photographer Toh Xing Jie, the first Singaporean to clinch a top prize at the international Nature Photographer of the Year awards last year. Commissioned by S.E.A. Aquarium, his exhibition showcases the little-known and rarely observed marine life that dwells just off our southern shores in vivid detail.

“Singapore’s waters are known for being murky, but each dive I made revealed a hidden world teeming with biodiversity just beneath the surface,” said Mr Toh, who hopes these photographs will encourage more people to appreciate and protect Singapore’s ecosystems. 

Meanwhile, those hoping to get a glimpse into the history of Singapore’s waters can check out Ocean Memories, a video presentation featuring heart-warming stories from individuals like Ms Sam Shu Qin, co-founder of community initiative Our Singapore Reefs, and Professor Cesar Jung-Harada, an environmentalist, inventor and educator. These narratives document personal connections to the ocean, inspiring viewers to forge their own bond with our seas.

“When I bring friends out on coastal clean-ups or dive trips, we are always confronted with the beauty of the ecosystems and the horror of our actions. We need to understand that if we take care of the ocean, the ocean will take care of us,” mused Ms Sam. 

For Prof Jung-Harada, who teaches design, innovation and sustainability at Singapore Institute of Technology, getting the younger generation interested and involved is crucial to conserving Singapore’s marine life. “I see our children as the next step in finding solutions to save our planet. Our duty is to equip the next generation with the mindset to care about the environment and its people, and the skills to turn their ideas into reality,” he shared.

INTERACTIVE ADVENTURES AND EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

For a blend of entertainment and education, visitors can try their hand at a retro game of pinball with a twist. Created by homegrown sustainable cardboard design agency Paper Carpenter, the interactive wall installation is constructed from recycled materials and challenges participants to navigate a “fish” through a simulated polluted ocean, highlighting the impact of marine debris.

Other activities include an educational booth centred on the horseshoe crab, running from Jun 17 to Jul 19. Did you know that there are only four species of horseshoe crabs in the world, and two of them inhabit Singapore’s sandy coasts and mudflats? Learn about these fascinating creatures, their vital role in marine ecosystems and discover volunteering opportunities to aid in their conservation.

For deeper insights, sign up for an expert talk with Mr Lester Tan, leader of the Marine Conservation Group’s Horseshoe Crab Research and Rescue programme, on Jun 21 from 3-4pm. The talk will cover the threats facing horseshoe crabs and how we can contribute to their protection.

By uniting in conservation efforts, each of us can become a guardian of Singapore’s waters – ensuring a thriving marine ecosystem for generations to come.

Explore the diverse marine conservation initiatives at S.E.A. Aquarium and book your tickets for Ocean Fest 2024: Righting the Future to make a difference.