Singapore’s plan to merge several islands could wipe out coral reefs

Singapore's ambitious plan to merge several islands into a new "western island" for advanced manufacturing, energy, and defense has sparked concerns among marine conservationists. The project, announced during Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day rally on August 23, could involve the reclamation of approximately 590 hectares (1,460 acres) of sea.

This includes islands such as Pulau Semakau, home to the country's offshore landfill; Pulau Bukom, site of an oil refinery; and Pulau Sudong, as well as smaller islands like Pulau Hantu, Pulau Jong, and Pulau Sebarok.

Debby Ng, a Singaporean biologist specializing in the city-state's shrinking coastlines of seagrasses, mangroves, and corals, warns that this reclamation could have severe consequences. "For seven thousand years, Singapore has changed around these reefs," Ng says. "They are still here." Despite the numerous challenges Singapore has faced, including colonization, war, shipping, and industrialization, these reefs have persisted.

"It would be a tragedy if we were to lose them now — in peacetime, at the height of our prosperity, when we possess more knowledge and capacity to protect them than any generation before us," Ng adds.

The area in question is estimated to encompass about 60% of Singapore's remaining coral reefs, 22% of its seagrass meadows, and 5% of its mangroves. Black sun coral (Tubastraea micranthus) is among the species at stake. Conservationists argue that the project's potential impact on these critical ecosystems could be devastating. While the project is said to be studied carefully and a timeline has not been set, the announcement has alarmed Singapore's marine conservation community.