Survey of one site at Semakau proceeded smoothly today, despite the terribly murky waters in the morning. Visibility was only about 1.5m, but improved over time to become more than 2.5m. Water colour remained green all through the dive, unlike the almost-blue of the previous months. Water at the shallows was also hot … a scorching 31 degC. It was much cooler at the deeper transect (maybe 29 degC), and Sargassum was beginning to dominate the shallows. Seems to be early this year - will need to compare with our previous surveys to see if this is a “normal” occurrence for this site.

Thanks to Yan who organised the trip, and Zi Wee, Darryl, Rachel, Kee Seng and Eunice for volunteering!

Cheers, Jeff

So, the Oceans has a day to call its own on June 8 … what can you do to help the oceans? Check it out here.

The ASEAN Centre on Biodiversity (ACB) is organising a photo contest to popularize biodiversity conservation. The contest runs from 22 May to 30 August 2009, and is open to all residents of ASEAN Member States. Details of what to submit, and how to do so can be found here.

The finalised Blue Plan was handed to Minister Yaacob of Environment and Water Resources in his capacity as co-chair of the inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development on May 22, at the Envirofest 2009 event at Toa Payoh HDB Hub. Another copy will be forwarded to Minister Mah of National Development, who is the other co-chair of the IMCSD.

Francis making a short speech before handing the Plan over to Minister Yaacob.

Minister Yaacob and the Blue Plan committee … from left: Farid, Francis, Minister Yaacob, Peter Ng, Beverly Goh, and Sek Chuan.

I am not sure if the finalised Blue Plan can be downloaded, but the draft document can be, here.

The latest draft of the Blue Plan for Singapore has been released yesterday, and the Blue Plan committee is looking for feedback from the public before they submit their recommendations to the government.

Download the document here and find out more on how you can submit your feedback at the IYOR 08 Singapore site.

Additional news can be found at WildSingapore and The Hantu Blog.

There’s also a big spread in the Straits Times, and probably on the other newspapers as well.

Cheers,
The BWV team