Changi Intertidal Experience

When going for tours in our local habitats, the focus is often to spot the various fauna and flora that reside there.

This time was no exception as my team and I gleefully (and carefully) navigate through the sandy shores in hopes of spotting interesting or elusive marine species. This intertidal walk was definitely a memorable one. Not just because we got to meet a cute tiny cuttlefish, but because a particular species that most would not pay attention to caught my eyes: humans

We witnessed two families, parents with their kids, holding nets. Beside them were small plastic containers, filled with their catch: seashells, hermit crabs, moon crabs and possibly more. They seemed to be fishing for any signs of life in the sand they could find. Various thoughts started pouring into my head; were their intent merely to just observe these creatures in close proximity? Or were other motives. I was full of concern and so were some of my team members. Could we be overthinking? Maybe. Human activity has often jeopardise the livelihood of creatures that share the same planet as us. The sight beheld seemed to be a simple, straightforward yet concerning example.

I turned to one of my group mates, who is also part of young nautilus, and asked how would they usually deal with such cases, only to be met with a response that expressed disappointment in the failure to stop acts similar to the one we were witnessing (This is not an attack I repeat, not an attack on you Shermaine).

As biodiversity and nature enthusiasts, it seems like there is a subtle responsibility on us contribute towards a more biophilic society. From conducting guides to sharing videos or photos of the cool creatures we’ve spotted here in Singapore, we pique the curiosity of our peers and allow them to be more aware of the life that walks (or swim/fly) alongside them.

As such. we become the voices for biodiversity that helps others understand the importance of conservation and nudge them into making a change for nature.

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