wetlands
a publication of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Vol 10 No 5
New Outdoor Classroom

Reforestation and Reach Out Programome: Part 2 - The Project Launch

Marine Fish Programme

Archers of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Bird ringing in Kenya, East Africa

Tranquility 		 
Marine Fish Programme
Promoting conservation at Sungei Buloh
James Gan
senior conservation officer

It is a well-known fact among those interested in marine fish that Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) possesses one of Singapore’s best habitats for coastal fish. The Main Bridge over the Sungei Buloh Besar is a particularly good locale for the observation of an abundance of fish life represented by over 100 species.

With the official launch of the Marine Fish Programme on 14 May 2005, a fresh perspective was added to enhance the visitor experience at SBWR. This programme represents the first time the National Parks Board (NParks) has dedicated a programme entirely to marine fish.

Intended to generate interest in the marine fish of the wetlands, it is part of NParks’ wider efforts to reach out to Singapore residents, particularly the youths, to care for our shared natural heritage.

Sponsored by Underwater World Singapore (UWS), the programme includes free-guided walks and talks on marine fish. It also incorporates educational materials such as a poster exhibit on marine fish at the Nature Gallery and fish identification signs at the Main Bridge, both of which enable visitors to conduct self-guided walks.

A full-colour fish identification chart was also produced to aid the guide leaders to improve the quality of their guided walks. The chart is also available for purchase.

The conservation outreach programme is the joint effort of students from five schools – Canadian International, Commonwealth Secondary, Hillgrove Secondary , Peixin Primary and Yishun Junior College – together with volunteers and partners as well as staff of NParks and UWS.

Apart from learning about the marine fish at SBWR, the students also practiced their skills in public speaking, and learnt to conduct public guided walks. Since April 2005, 60 students from the five schools have committed themselves to conduct at least three public guided walks for the rest of the year. UWS sponsorship contribution of $10,000 to the Garden City Fund (GCF) will be used over one year to support the programme.

Shivagami from Commonwealth Secondary School does ‘station guiding’ on marine fish for Professor Tan and the guests.

Said Mr Charles Ho, Chairman, GCF, “I am heartened by UWS’ active interest in the Garden City development. Their contribution towards value-added features and educational talks and tours for the Marine Fish Programme will benefit the general public, in particular the youths, and the Garden City. Together with partners such as UWS, the GCF hopes to play an even bigger role and bring more educational programmes and facilities to our community.”

To celebrate the success, NParks and UWS organised the launch to present certificates to the students for their participation and offer a platform for them to share their work with the public. The launch also saw the staff of UWS kicking off the first in a series of three public talks.

Presentation of a framed up “Spotted Archer Fish” as a token of appreciation to Professor Leo Tan. (From left to right: Dr Leong Chee Chiew, Professor Leo Tan and Mr Kwek Meng Tiam)

On UWS’ contribution, Mr Kwek Meng Tiam, General Manager of UWS, said: “With urbanization in land-scarce Singapore, we are rapidly losing our natural heritage. Fortunately for us, under the expert and careful hands of the NParks and other government agencies, a large part of our natural heritage is preserved. As UWS is also committed to environmental and marine conservation, our partnership with the NParks marks a significant step in this direction. It will further demonstrate our role in educating our students and the general public on the importance of environmental and marine conservation. Through these activities, we hope to develop citizens who are more conscious of, and concerned for, marine life and the marine ecosystem, so that they will be better prepared for the environmental and conservation challenges of the future.”

Added Dr Leong Chee Chiew, Chief Operating Officer, NParks: “This programme seeks to inculcate a sense of ownership of our natural heritage among our youths. Through enriching talks and hands-on activities, these youths learn more about the local marine fishes at our wetlands. I am particularly glad that these students are able to apply what they learnt by creating educational materials such as artistic fish mobiles to make marine fish education more interesting and exciting for other young people. We are very pleased that UWS recognises the importance of encouraging the next generation to care for our natural environment, and are grateful for their support.”

The fish mobiles described by Dr Leong are a result of a brainstorming session by the students of Peixin Primary School and are displayed at the Visitor Centre. Teachers and students who wish to join the weekly guided walks to learn more about the local marine fish and their associated conservation issues may contact the wetland’s visitor service coordinators at 67941401 or obtain more information at www.sbwr.org.sg. The weekly guided walks are led by trained students, volunteers and staff of NParks and UWS.
   
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