OCBC and the National Parks Board (NParks) have announced Singapore’s first seagrass restoration project, aiming to conserve and protect this vital marine habitat. The three-year initiative, starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, will involve researchers from NParks and the National University of Singapore (NUS) studying seagrass reproductive characteristics, conducting a restoration pilot, and developing transplantation methods. The project, fully funded by OCBC with nearly S$1 million, seeks to address the significant loss of seagrass meadows in Singapore over the past 50 years.
Background
Seagrass meadows are crucial for marine biodiversity and carbon sequestration. They serve as food sources for herbivores like the native dugong and nurseries for juvenile marine animals such as crabs, shrimps, and fishes. Despite covering only 0.2% of the world’s ocean floor, seagrass meadows store up to 18% of oceanic carbon, which is 40 times more than terrestrial forests. Singapore is home to 12 of the world’s 72 seagrass species, but nearly half of its seagrass meadows have disappeared in the last five decades. The project aims to restore these vital ecosystems to mitigate climate change and enhance biodiversity.
What will the project involve?
Flowering and fruiting of seagrass
The reproductive processes of tropical seagrasses are not well understood, with only a few species observed to flower in Singapore. Over the first two years, researchers will conduct regular surveys to study the natural flowering and fruiting patterns of multiple species. Aquarium experiments will also be carried out to identify potential triggers for flowering and determine critical cues for sexual reproduction. These findings will inform future conservation strategies.
Methods of seagrass transplantation
Coastal developments have significantly impacted Singapore’s seagrass meadows. Large-scale seagrass restoration has not been attempted before, partly due to challenges like sediment stability, which can bury or dislodge newly transplanted seagrass. The project aims to develop and test novel materials to anchor seagrass transplants, improving their long-term survival. “If successful, the new transplanting methods will go a long way in improving the long-term survival of transplanted seagrass,” OCBC and NParks stated.
Quantifying the benefits from seagrass restoration efforts
The study will also quantify the tangible and intangible benefits of seagrass restoration, including increased carbon sequestration and species diversity. Surveys and targeted interviews will document changes in awareness and attitudes among volunteers involved in restoration and citizen science efforts. OCBC staff and public volunteers will be invited to assist in transplanting seagrass and other project activities. “These findings, both tangible and intangible, will form a more complete picture of the beneficial outcomes of the seagrass restoration and help encourage more restoration projects in the future,” the media release noted.
Future implications
The seagrass restoration project marks a significant advancement in Singapore’s marine biodiversity conservation efforts. Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How highlighted the project’s importance, stating, “Conserving our biodiversity is crucial to transforming Singapore into a City in Nature.” The initiative not only aims to restore seagrass meadows but also to foster greater public awareness and involvement in marine conservation. With the potential to set a precedent for future restoration projects, this endeavour could play a pivotal role in enhancing Singapore’s environmental resilience and biodiversity.
