Baseline Studies on Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem of Sisters' Island

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development with regard to the Sisters' Island being designated a marine park (a) whether the Ministry has conducted baseline studies to monitor the effects on the marine biodiversity and ecosystem of Sisters' Island; (b) if so, what are the results of the studies; and (c) if not, whether the Ministry will conduct the baseline studies.

Mr Desmond Lee: NParks commenced baseline surveys on the marine biodiversity in the Sisters' Islands Marine Park in 2015 and continues to survey the biodiversity there, as part of the wider monitoring of our coastal and marine habitats under the Nature Conservation Masterplan. For example, NParks keeps track of activities that may impact Singapore's coral reefs, intertidal areas and coastal forests, and conducts regular surveys of these habitats.

The results of these surveys, including the baseline surveys for the Sisters' Islands Marine Park, will be published in the Southern Islands Biodiversity Survey report in 2024.