Do you love sea turtles and horseshoe crabs, or have an interest to learn more about them?

Join us for the Biodiversity Beach Patrol and contribute to a citizen science study on these amazing marine creatures.

Training for the Biodiversity Beach Patrol is now open. 

What is the Biodiversity Beach Patrol all about?

The Biodiversity Beach Patrol is a citizen science initiative to involve the community in collecting valuable information about sea turtles and horseshoe crabs along Singapore’s coastal areas (Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park). These patrols will take place at dawn (5.00am to 7.00am), on stipulated dates from June to September 2023. There will be approximately 6 days of patrol per month. The Beach Patrol dates are spread out across 6 days a month per site.

With the data collected from beach patrols, we can gain a better understanding of which areas sea turtles and horseshoe crabs are found and in what numbers. This information will contribute towards better park management and conservation measures.

  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. I don’t have any biodiversity beach patrol experience. Can I still participate?

Yes! Anyone aged 18 and above can sign up and volunteer with us. We will provide online training, which will cover basic horseshoe crab and sea turtle identification and beach patrol survey techniques. This will enable you to carry out the Biodiversity Beach Patrol.

2. Do I need any special equipment?

There is no need for any specialised equipment. All you need is a smartphone with access to the internet and a measuring tape or ruler. As the patrols are before dawn, you will need a torchlight that is capable of shining red light.

3. Is it compulsory for me to attend the training workshop even if I have experience with turtle beach patrols overseas?

You will be required to attend the training to familiarise yourself with both horseshoe crabs and sea turtles. The training sessions will include lessons on how to conduct the beach patrol properly and instructions for the Biodiversity Beach Patrol. After the training, there will be an online assessment which you will have to pass.

You have to be able to commit to the training and at least 2 nights of patrol.

4. When and where is the training session?

There will be an online training session on 24 May 2023, 7.30pm - 9pm via Zoom. Sign up for the training session by registering for our mailing list. A zoom link will be sent to registered participants closer to the training date.

5. How will the data I collect help NParks’ park management and conservation efforts?

The data on the horseshoe crabs and sea turtles collected during the Biodiversity Beach Patrol will help establish a baseline from which we can monitor the patterns of their populations in Singapore. This will be used to develop management strategies to sustain or even enhance these populations.

 

6. I am younger than 18 years old. Can I still participate?

If you are under 18 years old, you are required to be accompanied by a parent/ guardian for all sessions. Please contact us at marinepark@nparks.gov.sg.