Join Reef X to Help Conserve Local Marine Biodiversity
SINGAPORE: Recreational divers interested in contributing to the monitoring and conservation of Singapore’s coral reefs can now participate in a new citizen science initiative called Reef X.
Launched by the non-profit organization Marine Stewards, the program aims to bolster various coral reef research and conservation efforts in the region. In collaboration with the National Parks Board (NParks), the initiative plans to train approximately 60 divers this year in essential reef survey techniques, including marine life identification and photo and video documentation of the reefs.
Participants will also learn to identify threats such as coral bleaching and how to maintain coral nurseries. The data gathered will assist experts in assessing the health of local coral ecosystems. “Documenting the reefs’ biodiversity through images and videos will provide insights into the life forms inhabiting our reefs. Over time, the data collected will indicate trends in reef decline or recovery,” stated Dr. Jeffrey Low, senior manager at NParks, on Wednesday (Apr 13).
This marks the first citizen science program in Singapore to collaborate with multiple research stakeholders. While initial training will focus on “entry-level” techniques to ensure accessibility for average scuba divers, there are plans to advance participants’ skills over time, according to Ms. Andrea Leong, program director at Marine Stewards.
“Reef X aims to create a platform where citizen science divers can contribute to various research programs seeking volunteers,” Ms. Leong added. Dr. Karenne Tun, director for coastal and marine at NParks’ National Biodiversity Centre, emphasized the program’s significance: “Reef X by Marine Stewards is a crucial step in cultivating a new generation of citizen scientists capable of providing us with vital reef data.
“Aggregating small data points will yield valuable insights for multiple coral reef research and government initiatives.” Dr. Tun highlighted that preserving coral reefs can mitigate the impacts of climate change, as reefs play a role in dissipating wave energy, preventing flooding—especially for small island states—and reducing coastal erosion.
In addition to the Reef X program, Marine Stewards has raised S$120,000 to support six Reef Enhancement Units (REUs) under the Plant-A-Coral Seed-A-Reef (PACSAR) initiative. These manmade structures provide essential substrate for coral growth. Now in its sixth year, PACSAR aims to restore and enhance degraded reefs by installing REUs and outplanting corals to expand marine habitats.
Marine Stewards has also committed to maintaining the coral nursery on St John’s Island for six months. Despite covering less than 1% of the world’s surface, Singapore’s waters are home to over 250 species of hard corals, accounting for a third of the global total.
“During COVID, many programs were halted due to restrictions on group sizes and gatherings. However, the pandemic prompted many scuba divers to explore local waters, increasing their appreciation for our marine biodiversity,” remarked Ms. Leong of Marine Stewards. “As an avid scuba diver, I know many—including myself—who want to engage in conservation activities, but face limitations due to the scarcity of such local programs.
“Now is the perfect time to launch a program like Reef X, offering scuba divers a chance to contribute to local marine conservation.”
The Reef X program will feature three course intakes, each lasting two months, running from July to December. Experienced scuba divers familiar with local waters and capable of maintaining good buoyancy in challenging conditions are invited to apply for Reef X at Marine Stewards.
