On 09 June, our locally-based marine conservation groups joined hands for Singapore’s largest coordinated reef cleanup. The underwater cleanup was organised to commemorate World Oceans Day - a global celebration with worldwide events celebrating the ocean and creating awareness on the need for marine conservation.
"This collaboration aims to raise the profile of World Ocean Day in Singapore and with the help from the community, we are committed to reducing the amount of marine debris in our oceans."
--- Toh Tai Chong, Our Singapore Reefs ---
A total of 65 dive volunteers comprising scientists, researchers, S.E.A. Aquarium aquarists and marine enthusiasts, covered various locations around Lazarus Island. This underwater clean-up is also the first of its kind that involved three non-profit marine conservation groups - Our Singapore Reefs, International SeaKeepers Society Asia and Small Change - working alongside Resorts World Sentosa’s conservation group Guardians of the S.E.A.A., with support from scuba group, The Submersibles and Project Aware.
The divers recovered 1,887 pieces of marine debris weighing 127.5 kg within the span of just half a day. The top five category of items collected were plastic cutlery, styrofoam packaging, plastic bottles, plastic caps and lids, as well as fishing lines and nets.
"I have had an amazing time with the team. Unfortunately the low visibility hampered our removal of more underwater trash. However, the amount of surface trash caught in the breakwater was overwhelming and sadly we were unable to reach every spot. I think there is definitely more for us to do."
--- Gabor Bati, SeaKeepers Volunteer ---
All debris recovered was transported to One°15 Marina and Resorts World Sentosa for proper disposal. The data collected on the types, sources and location of marine debris will be reported to Project AWARE’s Dive Against Debris, a citizen-science programme that contributes to the global effort to combat marine debris.
