Semakau is Open!
Today, WildFilms, the Blue Water Volunteers and the Raffles Museum Toddycats represented the intertidal interest group at the Opening of Pulau Semakau for recreational activities.
It was pouring at the jetty! But when we arrived at Semakau, the weather lightened up. Eventually, it became a cool perfect day.
Prof Peter Ng turned up in the appropriate attire...for a romp in the mud. But it appears he had the last laugh as probably his feet were probably the driest of all of us.
When we arrived at Semakau Landfill, the usually austere buildings were decked out in balloons and there was a beautiful tent. Even the little ones had a fun time at the opening ceremonies.
Also invited were about 100 former residents of Pulau Sakeng; and the other two interest groups who have been looking into activities on Semakau: the Sports Fishing Association of Singapore and the Nature Society (Singapore).
Minister Yaacob officially opened the Landfill using a fishing rod to unveil the plaque. He later also gave out mementos to former Sakeng Village residents.
WildFilms, as usual, field savvy and taking the opportunity to take a short
break.
The bus tour was great fun with Mr Loo as our guide as he brought us to the tip of the landfill which had a great view of Raffles Lighthouse and the other outer Southern islands. On the way there we pass the booth where Blue Water Volunteers and the Toddycats have set up.
The Toddycats with NEA friends are at their touchpool. The Toddycats had come the day before to gather specimens so visitors could see and touch what can be found at the Semakau intertidal (Apparently, the Toddycats saw a whirlwind while they were there, see Siva's habitatnews). Unfortunately, it was high tide today so we couldn't bring visitors out to the shore.
Minister Yaacob is quite taken by the sea stars at the Toddycats touch pool...
...and he is even adventurous enough to nibble on the fruit of a mangrove bush. The elderly (and more experienced) Pulau Sakeng resident next to him later told him it was not yet ripe. "No wonder it's sour" Minister remarked :-)
The Blue Water Volunteers were also busy at work with their usual happy booth. Here taking pictures with NEA staff who worked so hard to make this event a succcess.
And Zeehan answers some questions and shares her experiences on our shores and
seas.
Minister also visited the Sports Fishing Association of Singapore booth where he takes a closer look at how fishing lures are made. The folks at the SFAS believe in catch-and-release and also undertake fish tagging.
NEA had arranged for everyone to have a picnic lunch in a huge basket, go cycling and to fly kites. There was also a fishing competition; and drawing event for the kids.
After making fun of his old schoolmate's effort at trying to fly a kite, Minister also gave it a try. With not much more success :-)
Some brave visitors even wandered off to the edge of the mangroves to have a closer
look at them.
It's fabulous now that Pulau Semakau is official opened!
For more about Semakau and our adventures there, see the Semakau Survey homepage
It was pouring at the jetty! But when we arrived at Semakau, the weather lightened up. Eventually, it became a cool perfect day.
Prof Peter Ng turned up in the appropriate attire...for a romp in the mud. But it appears he had the last laugh as probably his feet were probably the driest of all of us.
When we arrived at Semakau Landfill, the usually austere buildings were decked out in balloons and there was a beautiful tent. Even the little ones had a fun time at the opening ceremonies.
Also invited were about 100 former residents of Pulau Sakeng; and the other two interest groups who have been looking into activities on Semakau: the Sports Fishing Association of Singapore and the Nature Society (Singapore).
Minister Yaacob officially opened the Landfill using a fishing rod to unveil the plaque. He later also gave out mementos to former Sakeng Village residents.
WildFilms, as usual, field savvy and taking the opportunity to take a short
break.
The bus tour was great fun with Mr Loo as our guide as he brought us to the tip of the landfill which had a great view of Raffles Lighthouse and the other outer Southern islands. On the way there we pass the booth where Blue Water Volunteers and the Toddycats have set up.
The Toddycats with NEA friends are at their touchpool. The Toddycats had come the day before to gather specimens so visitors could see and touch what can be found at the Semakau intertidal (Apparently, the Toddycats saw a whirlwind while they were there, see Siva's habitatnews). Unfortunately, it was high tide today so we couldn't bring visitors out to the shore.
Minister Yaacob is quite taken by the sea stars at the Toddycats touch pool...
...and he is even adventurous enough to nibble on the fruit of a mangrove bush. The elderly (and more experienced) Pulau Sakeng resident next to him later told him it was not yet ripe. "No wonder it's sour" Minister remarked :-)
The Blue Water Volunteers were also busy at work with their usual happy booth. Here taking pictures with NEA staff who worked so hard to make this event a succcess.
And Zeehan answers some questions and shares her experiences on our shores and
seas.
Minister also visited the Sports Fishing Association of Singapore booth where he takes a closer look at how fishing lures are made. The folks at the SFAS believe in catch-and-release and also undertake fish tagging.
NEA had arranged for everyone to have a picnic lunch in a huge basket, go cycling and to fly kites. There was also a fishing competition; and drawing event for the kids.
After making fun of his old schoolmate's effort at trying to fly a kite, Minister also gave it a try. With not much more success :-)
Some brave visitors even wandered off to the edge of the mangroves to have a closer
look at them.
It's fabulous now that Pulau Semakau is official opened!
For more about Semakau and our adventures there, see the Semakau Survey homepage
1 Comments:
The fruit the Minister tasted was apparently Ximenia americana - one of the Toddycats remembered the name; see her post.
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