It
was an eye and mind opening display for many who did not realise how
beautiful and fragile our oceans are.
Yet, while oceans cover about 75% of the planet's surface, less is
known about our underwater environment than is known about outer space
and the moon. In fact, fewer explorers have been to the deepest parts
of our oceans than have gone to space!
Our oceans not only provide food for our tables, but it also acts
as a carbon dioxide sink (just like our forests) and climate regulator.
It is also home to a vast array of marine creatures that are as much
a part of the web of life as any other life of the 25% of the planet
that is on solid ground.
Vivid images by some of Singapore's finest underwater photographers
brought the beauty of the seas around us to life.
There were also many pictures that showed the curious and strange
adaptations that some creatures adopt to ensure their survival. For
instance, the boxing crabs carry anemones on each claw as a deterrent
against predators.
But what seemed
to move the public most were the pictures that showed how much of
the Southeast Asian region's coastal and marine habitats, including
our own, have been severely degraded by development and pollution.
Because we seem to have an inexhaustible supply of seafood in our
markets and restaurant, many of us—until this display uncovered
some ugly truths—did not know of the effects of habitat loss
and pollution on our oceans and its inhabitants.
We bring to you some of the images displayed in this exhibition. You
will see some of the exquisite and wondrous animals that can still
be found in our seas, yes, even in Singapore's much trafficked and
murky seas.
But much needs to be done if we are to lose these creatures. Overfishing
is another big problem that needs to be addressed.
This "Celebrate Our Oceans" exhibition was sponsored by
our Care-For-Nature corporate friend Hong Kong Bank.
It was our (the NSS Marine Conservation Group) contribution to the
United Nation's "International Year of the Ocean" theme
to awaken people to the beauty and importance of our planet's oceans.
|
Sea turtle
Photo by Victor Tan
|
One
of the last surviving animals of an ancient age, sea turtles are the
remaining members of a marine race of reptiles. All species of sea
turtle in the world are now endangered due to human activities and
some are on the critical list. |
Porcelain crab
Neopetalisthes spp.
Photo by Leong Kwok Peng |
Sea
fans or gorgonians are home to many smaller animals that hide and
feed within the branches. This small crab is one such. As currents
bring food to the sea fan, the crab takes the opportunity to feed
off the same food source |
Blue-spotted Ray
Taenius lymma
Photo by Victor Tan |
Rays
are among the odd-looking fish in the sea. Although in the same group
as sharks, rays look entirely different. Largely flattened, having
a long tail with a spine about halfway along its length, rays don't
swim as 'fly' through the water. |
Pygmy Seahorse
Hippocampus
bargibanti
Photo by Wiliam Tan
|
It
is one of the smallest seahorses in the world. Found only in Southeast
Asia and in Indonesian waters in particular, they range between 2-3
cm in length and can come in different colours such as
red, yellow and varying shades in between. |
Boxing Crabs
Lybia tessellata
Photo by William Tan |
These
pugnacious-looking crabs carry anemones on each claw as a deterrent
against predators. The crab has formed a mutual symbiosis with the
anemone, gaining protection from its stinging cells, while the perks
of the anemone are food and transportation |
Christmas Tree Worms
Spirobranchus spp.
Photo by Leong Kwok Peng |
These
belong to the bristleworm or polychaete family and are living in this
boulder-type coral. |
Nudibranchs
Chromodoris bullocki
Photo by William Tan |
This
pair are investigating each other for possible mating prospects. Being
hermaphrodites, like most molluscs, they should have no problems.
These molluscs are brightly coloured to warn predators of their "bad"
taste |
Oriental Sweetlips
Plectorhincus orientalis
Photo by Victor Tan |
These
fish are known as 'Grunts' in other parts of the world |
Stonefish
Synanceja horrida
Photo by William Tan |
With
a face that only a mother could love, it is one of the most venomous
fish in the world. Belonging to the same family as the scorpionfish
and lionfish, stonefish spines contain potent venom that cause death
in a matter of minutes |
Polyclad flatworm
Pseudoceros spp.
Photo by Leong Kwok Peng |
Among
the brightly coloured marine animals, flatworms advertise themselves
in the same way as some of the Poison Arrow Frogs in South America.
The flaming orange and bright blue of this flatworm warns off predators
that it tastes bad and may be poisonous |
