Whussup Hantu Bloggers

Hantu Blog Divers From left: Dive Master Joshua, Hang Cheong and James chilling out on the surface of Hantu waters.

In case you've been wondering what we do with all this information - all data gathered from a Hantu Blog dive is passed on to the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research for collation and archiving.

Kelvin Lim, curator of fishes at the Museum has been assisting us in the identification of animals spotted in the reefs. For certain groups, other naturalists may be consulted as well, through the museum's network of marine workers and enthusiasts.

We try to be as sure as possible of the animals identified through the use of field guides, checking and re-checking them against a array of books. If we're ever unsure or are unable to locate a species in our books, a picture with details (sediment/depth/time) is sent to the museam for assistance.

Dive briefing

As it is difficult for scientists to constantly run surveys of the animals in our reefs, diver sightings can be very useful and important in the monitoring of our reefs and their inhabitants.

"I'd be interested to know what fishes you have observed or photographed while diving in Singapore waters. Divers and anglers are often the source of records of species not recorded from Singapore." - Kelvin Lim

At each dive trip, field guides are provided on deck for diver reference. If they are able to confidently ID an animal, it goes into our "sightings" list. The Hantu Blog encourages photography for documentation purposes, and tries to teach divers appropriate diving/observing techniques to spot, photograph or just watch wildlife. Divers are also introduced to Hantu's intertidal, mangrove and birdlife, because the island doesn't just support marine life.

At the end of each dive, divers contribute to a Hantu Blog Log where experiences and thoughts can be shared.

Any diver can lend a hand. On your own, or with us. Be part of the effort.

Thumbs up for Hantu!