31 Oct (Sat): "Once upon our coast" talk by NSS Marine Conservation Group

A pictorial conversation of Singapore's coast from 1950s - 1970s when the coastline was vastly different from today - It was largely natural and indented. Fishing villages dotted the shores. Inshore fishing was an occupation for many. Kelongs were abundant in the shallow waters. Prawn ponds occupied the estuaries of major rivers. And there were thriving communities in the islands off Singapore.

Join the Nature Society (Singapore) Marine Conservation Group this October as we gather virtually for a ‘Kopi Session’ with some of our friends to reminisce about our natural coastal heritage. We shall travel back in time with them as they relive memories from the 1950s to the 70s; sharing their stories of a time past where our shorelines and coastal areas look very different from what they are like now.

6 Aug (Thu): "Stories of Shared Heritage" at the Sisters' Islands Marine Park

Stakeholders of the Friends of the Marine Park at the Sisters Islands Marine Park come together to discuss "Stories of Shared Heritage"

Hope for Sisters' Islands Marine Park being named a Mission Blue Hope Spot!

Singapore aims for its first marine Hope Spot with Sisters' Islands Marine Park. Photo: Straits Times Lim Yaohui.

The Sisters' Islands Marine Park might become the Republic's first "Hope Spot" under the international initiative, Mission Blue, which draws public attention to marine areas which may need more protection!

Launch of Private Lives Exposé of Singapore's Coral Reefs!

The final book of the Private Lives Series has been launched! 

An Exposé of Singapore's Coral Reefs was first conceptualised 6 six ago, with Professor Chou Loke Ming at helm. Together with his team of young marine biologists (Dr. Huang Danwei, Dr. Zeehan Jaafar, Dr. Toh Tai Chong, Dr. Karenne Tun), and contributions from >40 other scientists, this book tells the past, present and future of coral reefs here.

Participate in "My Defining Maritime Moment" Social Media Contest (1 Mar to 31 Aug)!

Love taking photos? And a great love for our seas? Then this contest is for you!

"My Defining Maritime Moment" is organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore! Participants stand a chance to win $200!

Also, a chance to be featured at the “My Defining Maritime Moment” Exhibition held at the Singapore Maritime Gallery @ Marina South Pier.

Visit Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)’s Facebook Page for more information.

Celebrating Singapore's Shores on the road: September - December

In the months of September to December, Celebrating Singapore Shores was on the road once more to raise awareness for the secret shores of Singapore!

This FREE talk "Secret Shores of Singapore", accompanied by FREE panels and brochures that are kindly sponsored by the National Research Foundation, is offered as part of Celebrating Singapore Shores and International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2018. Yi Feng is one of the many outstanding youths who have stepped up as an IYOR intern. 

Yi Feng shares about his time as an intern with Celebrating Singapore Shores in the past few months leading to the end of the year:

[Spotlight on IYOR Interns!] Our Seas, Our Legacy by Nathaniel Soon

When you think of Singapore, the word 'marine conservation', 'marine biodiversity', and 'marine biology' would not be part of your lexicon. Growing up in highly urbanised Singapore, it is hard to imagine that we have much to see around Singapore waters (plus it's kind of murky and all!).

Quietly working over the years, a group of unsung marine heroes have been raising awareness of this unique natural heritage of Singapore waters. And one filmmaker is determined to make their voices and actions heard.

As part of the celebrations for International Year of the Reef 2018 in Singapore, the community initiative Celebrating Singapore Shores hosted young interns to platform their voices and ideas. Meet Nathaniel Soon, a 21-year old filmmaker, diver, and college freshman, who founded 'Our Seas, Our Legacy'.

This is what Nathaniel has to say:

17 Nov (Sat): Seven Stories of the Changi Area Through Historical Maps and Charts

Your chance to visit the Navy Museum at Changi Naval Base, and listen to Mr Mok Ly Yng share fascinating stories about Changi revealed in historical maps and charts.

The talk is FREE. Registration now open!

17 Sep (Mon): Talk on "What Treasures Lie in Singapore Waters?​"

Singapore lies along one of the busiest shipping lanes. Where there are lots of ships there are lots of shipwrecks!

Dr Flecker shares about some fascinating shipwrecks and their cargo. Registration now open!

Tales of Tekong

Come for these talks to learn more about Pulau Tekong from experts and a former Tekong resident. Free, no registration required.

21 Jul (Sat) in English on "Telling the Story of Tekong Through Historical Maps" by mapping research consultant Mok Ly Yng. 28 Jul (Sat) in Mandarin on "Remembering Tekong" by former Tekong resident, Mr. Ho Kim Hong and local author, Mr. Chen Poh Seng. 4 Aug (Sat) in Mandarin on "Pulau Tekong, Our Bygone Years" by brothers and former Tekong Island residents Lea Geuang Fiyau and Lea Guan Chong.

Celebrate Earth Day on Singapore shores!

Next week is Earth Day with the theme "End Plastic Pollution". The Earth Day website has more info on how you can end plastic pollution as an individual, organisation and educator.

This Earth Day weekend, there's lots happening on Singapore shores! Clean up plastics from a shore at Lim Chu Kang, watch a free movie about marine plastics at the Botanic Gardens, rescue horseshoe crabs at Kranji, get muddy at Sungei Buloh, join shore walks at Chek Jawa and the Sisters Islands Marine Park, explore the heritage of Pulau Ubin or kayak to St John's Island.

Our island heritage: Pilgrimage to Kusu Island

Singapore's islands are rich with history and heritage. The pilgrimage to Kusu Island is among the first 50 items identified for UNESCO listing.

Where is Kusu Island? What are the stories behind it? And how can you contribute YOUR stories?

16 Apr (Mon): Talk on "Did China Admiral Zheng He’s fleet visit VivoCity Singapore in early 15th century?"

VivoCity, one of the largest shopping malls in Singapore, sits on land that was part of Keppel Harbour.

A “Dragon tooth” replica was erected in Labrador Park by the Singapore Tourism Board.

'Dragon tooth' replica on Labrador seen from Sentosa.

It probably drew inspiration from “Longyamen” (龙牙门，Dragon Tooth Gate) which appeared in the travelogue “Dao yi zhi lue” (Description of the Barbarians of the Isles) written by the ancient mariner and trader Wang Dayuan during the Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century.

Kayak to St. John's Island on 13 Jan (Sat) and 11 Feb (Sun)

Suitable for beginners, join Kayakasia Sentosa on a relaxing paddle departing Sentosa past Pulau Tekukor, to St. John's Island. Learn about the heritage of the islands and also visit the Sisters Islands Marine Park Gallery.

Pulau Tekukor: Awesome aerials

Check out awesome aerials and stories about Pulau Tekukor, one of our seldom-visited islands. Thanks to Heng Pei Yan who flies SG Sea Drone - Dronietta seashorensis.

27 Jan 2018 (Sat): "The Love of Tuah and Jebat" at Pulau Ubin with Pulau Sekudu

Experience Singapore's seashore heritage! At Pulau Ubin with Pulau Sekudu.

Come for an immersive interactive event, a site-specific dance on Pulau Ubin, with the actual film location Pulau Sekudu within sight