Establishing Singapore’s First Marine Park

The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, which spans about 40 hectares around Sisters' Islands and along the western reefs of both St John's Island and Pulau Tekukor, will be a platform for outreach, educational, conservation and research activities related to our native marine biodiversity. The location was chosen due to its variety of habitats including coral reefs, sandy shores and seagrass areas.

This new initiative aims to give Singaporeans a first-hand experience of our rich biodiversity which are submerged most of the time. The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park will protect Singapore’s coral reefs, which support an ecosystem inhabited by rare and endangered species of seahorses, clams, sponges and other marine life. More than 250 species of hard corals can be found in Singapore’s waters out of over 500 species within the region. Being located in close proximity to one of the world’s busiest ports, the Marine Park will provide a safe refuge for the teeming biodiversity around the Southern Islands and its surrounding waters, as well as safeguard our natural heritage.

The Marine Park is also home to Singapore’s first turtle hatchery, which provides a conducive environment for turtle hatchlings to incubate, hatch safely and make it out to sea. Singapore's coastal areas continue to support turtle species despite urbanisation and busy waterways. The hatchery aims to increase their survival rates through the use of technology, research and community involvement.

Research activities at the Marine Park will expand our knowledge and understanding of Singapore’s existing marine habitats and biodiversity. Marine scientists and researchers can look forward to more opportunities to conduct a wide range of in-depth studies and regular monitoring on Singapore’s marine environment. Restoration activities including nurseries for iconic marine organisms are also part of the enhancement efforts to be carried out at the Marine Park. One of the species which will benefit is the Neptune’s Cup Sponge (Cliona patera), thought to be globally extinct for more than 100 years until it was rediscovered off Singapore’s coast in 2011. Learn more about Sisters' Islands Marine Park here.

Biodiversity

Singapore’s waters are home to:

• More than 250 species of hard corals (32% of hard coral species found worldwide)
• More than 100 species of reef fish
• About 200 species of sponges
• 12 seagrass species

Plant-A-Coral, Seed-A-Reef Programme

Caring for the marine biodiversity and the environment is the social responsibility of every individual. The Garden City Fund’s Plant-A-Coral, Seed-A-Reef Programme is a platform for organisations and individuals to actively participate in the habitat enhancement efforts of the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.

Under the Plant-A-Coral initiative, organisations and individuals will be able to sponsor a coral with a minimal donation of $200. To support this meaningful initiative or to find out more, please visit www.gardencityfund.gov.sg/plantacoral.