What is the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey? 

The first phase of the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS I) began in 2010, as a partnership between the National Parks Board (NParks) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), led by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM), and the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI). The goal of CMBS I was to systematically assess the diversity of marine habitats in Singapore’s waters and to aid in building a consolidated database of marine biodiversity to inform marine conservation strategies. By its completion in 2015, an estimated 72,000 specimens were collected, discovering over 37 new species to science, and more than 300 species new to Singapore! 

Launch of CMBS II 

On 28 October 2024, Monday, in conjunction with the opening of the enhanced Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, the second phase of the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS II) was officially launched by NParks and NUS (LKCNHM and TMSI). 

CMBS II will expand on the findings from CMBS I, incorporating quantitative surveys to establish a baseline of crucial areas and conducting comprehensive surveys of key biomes which were not studied previously. This phase is projected to last around five years, aiming to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of Singapore’s marine biodiversity.  

“In CMBS II, NUS will employ different approaches such as high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies in conjunction with Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures to uncover poorly studied hidden biodiversity in and around Singapore reefs. These techniques will allow us to quantify diversity and discover species that have so far eluded us,” said Associate Professor Darren Yeo, Head of LKCNHM.

To date, CMBS II has received over S$2 million in support, with contributions from Dalio Philanthropies, GSK-EDB Trust Fund, HSBC and ExxonMobil Asia Pacific through the Garden City Fund, NParks’ registered charity and IPC, and NUS. 

Minister for National Development and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration Mr Desmond Lee, who was there to open the enhanced marine park, shared that Singapore’s diverse marine life is constantly being threatened by climate change and environmental pollution. ”Our efforts to meaningfully conserve and steward our marine biodiversity depend on having a good understanding of the environment, and good data,” Mr Lee said.  

Novel research techniques 

CMBS II will employ novel techniques such as the Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS), the use of seabed corers, and mobile DNA labs, to enhance local marine research capabilities.  

Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) 

To study small organisms residing within coral reefs, traditional methods required disassembling corals, which could be detrimental. ARMS serves as a substitute habitat, attracting organisms that are typically hidden within coral reefs. ARMS will be deployed at strategic sites in Singapore waters to recruit marine biodiversity and will be examined for a wide range of species, including invertebrates and other smaller organisms. 

Seabed corers 

Seabed corers will be utilised to sample fauna residing in soft sediment underwater. Samples will be collected in cores or metal boxes and deployed using a specialised vessel. The cores are driven into the soft sediment and will automatically seal when retrieved, preserving the depth distribution of organism for spatial comparison studies. 

Mobile DNA labs 

DNA barcoding will be conducted on the specimens collected during CMBS II, contributing to the establishment of a national genomic observatory. These mobile DNA labs act as portable molecular facilities for DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing to identify marine species, processing up to 32 samples simultaneously and allowing for the identification of hundreds of specimens in a single day. 

The data collected from CMBS II will be shared with relevant agencies to support coastal management and planning. Findings will also be made available to the public, contributing to marine biodiversity research and conservation efforts throughout Southeast Asia. Information and images will be compiled and uploaded to Singapore Biodiversity Online, a publicly accessible digital reference collection.  

The commencement of CMBS II marks a significant advancement in our understanding of Singapore’s marine ecosystems. This initiative aims not only to enhance our knowledge of local marine life but also contribute to broader biodiversity research and ultimately promote a sustainable future for our oceans.