tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57716457410672687252024-03-14T04:52:39.625+08:00Chek Jawa Mortality and Recruitment ProjectKok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-41873954179406391412016-07-05T20:59:00.003+08:002016-07-05T20:59:54.516+08:00Predawn at Chek Jawa coral rubbleI'm back at Chek Jawa, one of the two seashores that started my passion in marine life (the other is Tanjong Rimau, Sentosa). It's like visiting your friend that has been there all along through different seasons. That applies to both the shore and myself. We were able to visit this shore with permission from Nparks. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaUYBtr0DHM/V3uncA_j7YI/AAAAAAAAhVs/czVbvinilfQn4NQfiBIUTEdTSFT8hsgIACLcB/s1600/cj040716p01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaUYBtr0DHM/V3uncA_j7YI/AAAAAAAAhVs/czVbvinilfQn4NQfiBIUTEdTSFT8hsgIACLcB/s400/cj040716p01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The team soaked in the magnificent presence of the glows from the sunrise after we ended the trip. Yes, we arrived at Ubin before 3am to do a predawn survey and ended at dawn. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bev_hclHiU/V3uncMCwsFI/AAAAAAAAhVo/earWBlKJFnY38iDZR152DOkc7lidwjyswCLcB/s1600/cj040716p02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bev_hclHiU/V3uncMCwsFI/AAAAAAAAhVo/earWBlKJFnY38iDZR152DOkc7lidwjyswCLcB/s400/cj040716p02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's how it looks like way before sunrise. We surveyed most parts of the coral rubble, near the beacon, on this trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Pc8wiFikM/V3uncDU4lII/AAAAAAAAhVk/L0cwK4uYfXEDUYWnXcATZ5NYjo72a3s9QCLcB/s1600/cj040716p03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Pc8wiFikM/V3uncDU4lII/AAAAAAAAhVk/L0cwK4uYfXEDUYWnXcATZ5NYjo72a3s9QCLcB/s400/cj040716p03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The sponges seem to be doing better on this trip as compared to last year. Above shows a collage of the different types of sponges.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I81nYJd8eFc/V3uncZMfJ0I/AAAAAAAAhVw/rKfp75tKor8xZSdgclYIbB617OFdcrE3wCLcB/s1600/cj040716p04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I81nYJd8eFc/V3uncZMfJ0I/AAAAAAAAhVw/rKfp75tKor8xZSdgclYIbB617OFdcrE3wCLcB/s400/cj040716p04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/porifera/branchpurple.htm">Purple branching sponges</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Callyspongia </span>sp.) are definitely making a comeback! So much so that they colonised and grow among seagrasses. Something that we don't often see. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIDlMIX71sk/V3uncorsfqI/AAAAAAAAhV0/Ql66hKvqusc3d-Jc21_n0zNwfFw5eBIfgCLcB/s1600/cj040716p05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIDlMIX71sk/V3uncorsfqI/AAAAAAAAhV0/Ql66hKvqusc3d-Jc21_n0zNwfFw5eBIfgCLcB/s400/cj040716p05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
With sponges, there would be also slugs that tend to feed on them. Here's the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/atromarginata.htm">Black-margined nudibranchs</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Doriprismatica atromarginata</span>).</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y80o0HFZYy4/V3uncjT-KUI/AAAAAAAAhV4/Yf9nb7wYHEkB00zZqz59DDUn5OIxFg-ZQCLcB/s1600/cj040716p06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y80o0HFZYy4/V3uncjT-KUI/AAAAAAAAhV4/Yf9nb7wYHEkB00zZqz59DDUn5OIxFg-ZQCLcB/s400/cj040716p06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/spongiosa.htm">Purple foot nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Atagema spongiosa</span>) is usually so well camouflaged that we miss spotting them. However, I managed to find this because the purple foot was pointing upwards. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viJtDf3vSR8/V3unc_G2YlI/AAAAAAAAhV8/sueJPrznldkpvZexLyLqxYzvOp5HSG0FgCLcB/s1600/cj040716p07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viJtDf3vSR8/V3unc_G2YlI/AAAAAAAAhV8/sueJPrznldkpvZexLyLqxYzvOp5HSG0FgCLcB/s400/cj040716p07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/ascidiacea/pink.htm" target="_blank">Pink ascidians</a> are also doing very well at the jetty pilings of Chek Jawa. And of course the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/indicus.htm">Blue-spotted flatworms</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudoceros indicus</span>) were having a great time feeding on them. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rug_WRWtUkk/V3undCvybXI/AAAAAAAAhWE/zL_pgPNnOpYUDZ_eIEEB9vUABORS17cEQCLcB/s1600/cj040716p08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rug_WRWtUkk/V3undCvybXI/AAAAAAAAhWE/zL_pgPNnOpYUDZ_eIEEB9vUABORS17cEQCLcB/s400/cj040716p08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
It's my first time seeing the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/ascidianbeige.htm" target="_blank">Marbled flatworms</a> <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost">(<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudoceros </span>sp.) </span></span>and they tend to be found on <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/ascidiacea/beige.htm" target="_blank">Beige sheet ascidians</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YqwpWfXh4k/V3undNuRWFI/AAAAAAAAhWA/SkrYXOQ4k78bpweHQ4py0EVSJHhXyd6cACLcB/s1600/cj040716p09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YqwpWfXh4k/V3undNuRWFI/AAAAAAAAhWA/SkrYXOQ4k78bpweHQ4py0EVSJHhXyd6cACLcB/s400/cj040716p09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a closer look at the Marbled flatworm. The flatworm is edged with a fine narrow line and has really nice patterns on its surface.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUQjc519KOQ/V3undYJJU4I/AAAAAAAAhWI/iKju1KEBEWEIrzDDevZSf_zGvsJifNZ0QCLcB/s1600/cj040716p10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUQjc519KOQ/V3undYJJU4I/AAAAAAAAhWI/iKju1KEBEWEIrzDDevZSf_zGvsJifNZ0QCLcB/s400/cj040716p10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
How are the corals doing during this bleaching period? Most, if not all of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/nephtheidae.htm" target="_blank">Flowery soft corals</a> (Family Nephtheidae) are bleaching. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_8z96ShmYY/V3undui6llI/AAAAAAAAhWM/Gs4WNvaJhJgO24R6ntRmKW6uz3C-IkeCgCLcB/s1600/cj040716p11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_8z96ShmYY/V3undui6llI/AAAAAAAAhWM/Gs4WNvaJhJgO24R6ntRmKW6uz3C-IkeCgCLcB/s400/cj040716p11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
About 50% of the hard corals were bleaching. Most of the ones we came across are <span class="fullpost">Boulder <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/poritidae/porboulder.htm">Pore corals</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Porites </span>sp.).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhR014nQt7E/V3undssfShI/AAAAAAAAhWQ/12TN7koIW6cLEIJ_xOrpI141ulrBmh1EwCLcB/s1600/cj040716p12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhR014nQt7E/V3undssfShI/AAAAAAAAhWQ/12TN7koIW6cLEIJ_xOrpI141ulrBmh1EwCLcB/s400/cj040716p12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a healthy-looking Boulder pore coral that is all brown and well. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6Riwn8aZK8/V3und1YQPzI/AAAAAAAAhWU/igXOLREzB_krpYAbNWK_jbb15-f_KVe0gCLcB/s1600/cj040716p13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6Riwn8aZK8/V3und1YQPzI/AAAAAAAAhWU/igXOLREzB_krpYAbNWK_jbb15-f_KVe0gCLcB/s400/cj040716p13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The coral rubble habitat is made of a nice mix of seagrass, rubble and sponges. And there's lots of critters to find. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xv9LyU0-6bY/V3und1g8acI/AAAAAAAAhWY/9a-3GVxpa-Ija1zcd3vSoOrqhzGVHu-ngCLcB/s1600/cj040716p14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xv9LyU0-6bY/V3und1g8acI/AAAAAAAAhWY/9a-3GVxpa-Ija1zcd3vSoOrqhzGVHu-ngCLcB/s400/cj040716p14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I managed to find one adult <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/protoreaster.htm">Knobbly sea star</a> (<i>Protoreaster nodosus</i>) and believe there are more elsewhere. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGYrGXV6Dbg/V3uneJ0tlLI/AAAAAAAAhWc/MPiL12diQUIg3Iaa-7lTwcbQJSTYYzTqACLcB/s1600/cj040716p15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGYrGXV6Dbg/V3uneJ0tlLI/AAAAAAAAhWc/MPiL12diQUIg3Iaa-7lTwcbQJSTYYzTqACLcB/s400/cj040716p15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Jonathan found this pretty adult-sized <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/anthenea.htm">Cake sea star</a> (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>) in brown and yellow. Lovely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsxp4UjWkzw/V3uneUZYWUI/AAAAAAAAhWg/UeQ19kplG30NUogdpvQq263PuDNXqtjKACLcB/s1600/cj040716p16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsxp4UjWkzw/V3uneUZYWUI/AAAAAAAAhWg/UeQ19kplG30NUogdpvQq263PuDNXqtjKACLcB/s400/cj040716p16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And here's the assortment of sea stars sighted on this trip. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndnqGvzdZq8/V3unefnRaNI/AAAAAAAAhWk/M_DDGRewvNYc5Daxp9GQnUNjqIyoPptCACLcB/s1600/cj040716p17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndnqGvzdZq8/V3unefnRaNI/AAAAAAAAhWk/M_DDGRewvNYc5Daxp9GQnUNjqIyoPptCACLcB/s400/cj040716p17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As the Flowery soft corals get bleached, the commensal <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/ophiuroidea/tinycolourful.htm">Tiny colourful brittle stars</a> (<i>Ophiothela danae</i>) become more conspicuous. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPRWMb5l-mk/V3uneu_GRdI/AAAAAAAAhWo/8MkUpQuK0-I00gt6n0BMUvJHoAQxgJD8ACLcB/s1600/cj040716p18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPRWMb5l-mk/V3uneu_GRdI/AAAAAAAAhWo/8MkUpQuK0-I00gt6n0BMUvJHoAQxgJD8ACLcB/s400/cj040716p18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
More commensals sighted include the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/synsponge.htm">Sponge synaptid sea cucumbers</a> found around sponges. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kiowZQVF-g/V3une7Jl6OI/AAAAAAAAhWs/KIeGvDkkghsug0c5J6cQiogR9I0S3EHGgCLcB/s1600/cj040716p19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kiowZQVF-g/V3une7Jl6OI/AAAAAAAAhWs/KIeGvDkkghsug0c5J6cQiogR9I0S3EHGgCLcB/s400/cj040716p19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's another shot of the synpatid sea cucumbers around the purple branching sponge. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fO3iV6tSzB8/V3une7Fw_YI/AAAAAAAAhWw/GsStyX3SnZc3DWZWyMGiK2V-YUbcvXpTgCLcB/s1600/cj040716p20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fO3iV6tSzB8/V3une7Fw_YI/AAAAAAAAhWw/GsStyX3SnZc3DWZWyMGiK2V-YUbcvXpTgCLcB/s400/cj040716p20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And you would notice there are also more critters living among the sponges such as the porcelain crabs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHDO3GW4AWs/V3unfCIXXjI/AAAAAAAAhW0/huxsJD20t2YQT-ck6G2bYHewr5RvcPJPgCLcB/s1600/cj040716p21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHDO3GW4AWs/V3unfCIXXjI/AAAAAAAAhW0/huxsJD20t2YQT-ck6G2bYHewr5RvcPJPgCLcB/s400/cj040716p21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I was hoping to find the psychedelic <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/violaceus.htm" target="_blank">Sea apple sea cucumber</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudocolochirus violaceaus</span>)</span></span> and my wish was answered! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbw97mFCQSQ/V3unfYWqmAI/AAAAAAAAhW4/cBXxKIcomgM672wd1D7RQ143j4a21mGAQCLcB/s1600/cj040716p22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbw97mFCQSQ/V3unfYWqmAI/AAAAAAAAhW4/cBXxKIcomgM672wd1D7RQ143j4a21mGAQCLcB/s400/cj040716p22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Will end off this post with two fishy finds- the first one is the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/triacanthidae/triacanthidae.htm">Tripodfish</a> (Family Triacanthidae) which I've not seen for a while.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50m5Ny7CsIs/V3unfdiSIQI/AAAAAAAAhW8/9sXS2HTznHkQ5DTc74NxPYbwClgPHWqHQCLcB/s1600/cj040716p23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50m5Ny7CsIs/V3unfdiSIQI/AAAAAAAAhW8/9sXS2HTznHkQ5DTc74NxPYbwClgPHWqHQCLcB/s400/cj040716p23.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Another not common-sighted fish would be this <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/muraenidae/reevesii.htm" target="_blank">Brown spotted moray eel</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Gymnothorax reevesii</span>). </span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><br /></span>
<span class="fullpost">Till next year, Chek Jawa! </span>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-60019944404727772432016-01-11T18:24:00.003+08:002016-01-11T18:24:57.309+08:00Northern Chek Jawa surveyWe are back at Chek Jawa for our intertidal survey, with permission from Nparks. We hardly have the energy and time to do the northern part of Chek Jawa as we usually get distracted by the coral rubble in the south. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fz-bLt3TiM/VpN5xglBbQI/AAAAAAAAgt4/t3bw3JKRALQ/s1600/cj100116p01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fz-bLt3TiM/VpN5xglBbQI/AAAAAAAAgt4/t3bw3JKRALQ/s400/cj100116p01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Thus, it is good that we dedicated a not-so-low tide to properly look at the northern part. It was a bright sunny Sunday, perfect for taking landscape shots. And I'm glad to see the seagrasses expanding its territories. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZMwm77_qGc/VpN5xgUAuEI/AAAAAAAAgt8/bjR7HjTUvkE/s1600/cj100116p02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZMwm77_qGc/VpN5xgUAuEI/AAAAAAAAgt8/bjR7HjTUvkE/s400/cj100116p02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/haddoni.htm">Haddon's carpet anemones</a> (<i>Stichodactyla haddoni</i>) seem to have increased in numbers! Slow but recovery since the </span><a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.sg/2007/10/what-caused-mass-death.html" target="_blank">mass death event in 2007</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6u7Mz6g_mOM/VpN5yAfw9gI/AAAAAAAAguA/yH_Q3kFFkmg/s1600/cj100116p04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6u7Mz6g_mOM/VpN5yAfw9gI/AAAAAAAAguA/yH_Q3kFFkmg/s400/cj100116p04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
These anemones look pretty when submerged underwater, together with the seagrasses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jAILYFaQTP4/VpN5xtjo25I/AAAAAAAAgt0/ww3CWVJFxw0/s1600/cj100116p03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jAILYFaQTP4/VpN5xtjo25I/AAAAAAAAgt0/ww3CWVJFxw0/s400/cj100116p03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And they are also many of them found exposed on the sandbar during the low tide. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSAXWMokNfE/VpN5yaS5MbI/AAAAAAAAguE/4BjoSSTghL4/s1600/cj100116p05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSAXWMokNfE/VpN5yaS5MbI/AAAAAAAAguE/4BjoSSTghL4/s400/cj100116p05.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
On the sandy stretches and parts of the sandbar, there still are many of the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/echinoidea/sandollar/arachnoides.htm">Cake sand dollars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Arachnoides placenta</span>). </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kD5UkMgWIX0/VpN5yd0gpII/AAAAAAAAguI/oojQhO4oB8k/s1600/cj100116p06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kD5UkMgWIX0/VpN5yd0gpII/AAAAAAAAguI/oojQhO4oB8k/s400/cj100116p06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This is how they look like when one brushes off the sand that covers their surface. Chek Jawa is indeed <i>rich</i> as there are many sand <i>dollars</i> on its sand <i>bank</i>. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh1T8xl0rY8/VpN5y2fDVDI/AAAAAAAAguY/LsgFWtjIhjc/s1600/cj100116p07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh1T8xl0rY8/VpN5y2fDVDI/AAAAAAAAguY/LsgFWtjIhjc/s400/cj100116p07.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
Something new that we observe on this trip would be the "explosion" of <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/cercodemas.htm">Pink warty sea cucumbers</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Cercodemas anceps</span>)<span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"> and </span></span><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/colochirus.htm">Thorny sea cucumbers</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Colochirus quadrangularis</span>)</span> on the seagrass. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rt0xQPcvNg/VpN5zB2XrbI/AAAAAAAAguc/hUFlxgOXPpg/s1600/cj100116p08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rt0xQPcvNg/VpN5zB2XrbI/AAAAAAAAguc/hUFlxgOXPpg/s400/cj100116p08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There seems to be more of the warty than the thorny sea cucumbers. The warty sea cucumbers are more brightly coloured.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG4Np8hY1_k/VpN5zbKekNI/AAAAAAAAguk/FOAiDs5hKzk/s1600/cj100116p09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG4Np8hY1_k/VpN5zbKekNI/AAAAAAAAguk/FOAiDs5hKzk/s400/cj100116p09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/scabra.htm">Garlic bread sea cucumbers</a> (<i>Holothuria scabra</i>) are abundantly found on Chek Jawa even on a hot day. Though many of them were semi or fully buried underneath sand. I also found one black version of this sea cucumber. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_4MpVNbRCg/VpN5zpczRAI/AAAAAAAAgus/JCjgG9I0tQc/s1600/cj100116p10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_4MpVNbRCg/VpN5zpczRAI/AAAAAAAAgus/JCjgG9I0tQc/s400/cj100116p10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The tip furthest from the shoreline allows one to observe the beautiful Lesser Crested Terns and Greater Crested Terns. One can also see Tekong at the background. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw2z4EeKH6I/VpN5zjAbmDI/AAAAAAAAgu4/v-ZVUpZHjls/s1600/cj100116p11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw2z4EeKH6I/VpN5zjAbmDI/AAAAAAAAgu4/v-ZVUpZHjls/s400/cj100116p11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's how they look like when they fly off! These terns need to learn how to take turns before flying. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMj87iGG8os/VpN5z2eaztI/AAAAAAAAgvA/yC1dRJhXyjI/s1600/cj100116p12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMj87iGG8os/VpN5z2eaztI/AAAAAAAAgvA/yC1dRJhXyjI/s400/cj100116p12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We are reminded that the seagrass meadows are important as they also support dugongs which exist in our waters! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mswoxQVE8HY/VpN50IOEzkI/AAAAAAAAgu8/UEsPODaJMvQ/s1600/cj100116p13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mswoxQVE8HY/VpN50IOEzkI/AAAAAAAAgu8/UEsPODaJMvQ/s400/cj100116p13.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
Many of these "botak" or bare trails in seagrass beds are likely to be dugong feeding trails where these magnificent huge marine creatures would graze on the seagrass when the tide is higher. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUQQKWZoWUU/VpN509pGnvI/AAAAAAAAgvM/Pzt4RlURK44/s1600/cj100116p14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUQQKWZoWUU/VpN509pGnvI/AAAAAAAAgvM/Pzt4RlURK44/s400/cj100116p14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I only came across two of these <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/goniodiscaster.htm">Biscuit stars</a> (<i>Goniodiscaster scaber</i>). They are usually more abundantly found at the coral rubble. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZthuqhIrRY/VpN53NgUsYI/AAAAAAAAgvk/mKodvXXvT4g/s1600/cj100116p15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZthuqhIrRY/VpN53NgUsYI/AAAAAAAAgvk/mKodvXXvT4g/s400/cj100116p15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I have not seen the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/archaster.htm">Common sea star</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Archaster typicus</span>) at Chek Jawa for a long while! Likely to be since 2012 but of course it is also due to the fact that I didn't look hard enough. Thus, I was thrilled to come across one! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uBX0Q9q4qk/VpN53LEoyQI/AAAAAAAAgvo/_mNZzpuIy3c/s1600/cj100116p16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uBX0Q9q4qk/VpN53LEoyQI/AAAAAAAAgvo/_mNZzpuIy3c/s400/cj100116p16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And here's another one close to where I found the first one. Unfortunately, these common sea stars are no longer common after the 2007 mass mortality event. And it seems like the population is as small all along since the beginning of recovery. At least they are still around!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9Xsv38KBuM/VpN53RGlniI/AAAAAAAAgvs/p6MRFyvwtMI/s1600/cj100116p17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9Xsv38KBuM/VpN53RGlniI/AAAAAAAAgvs/p6MRFyvwtMI/s400/cj100116p17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I noticed on this trip that these <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm">Cerianthids</a> (Order Ceriantharia) are more commonly found nearer to the south than the north. I have no idea why. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DedOhJm1034/VpN53vPy9aI/AAAAAAAAgvw/LbksJx4CdcY/s1600/cj100116p18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DedOhJm1034/VpN53vPy9aI/AAAAAAAAgvw/LbksJx4CdcY/s400/cj100116p18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Some cool-looking critters spotted include this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/cephalopoda/pygmy.htm">Pygmy squid</a> (<i>Idiosepius </i>sp.).
They are usually actively swimming and that makes photographing these
squids difficult. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6wtL1fzzX4/VpN536rXcTI/AAAAAAAAgv4/G5-pODnnPr4/s1600/cj100116p19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6wtL1fzzX4/VpN536rXcTI/AAAAAAAAgv4/G5-pODnnPr4/s400/cj100116p19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Another tough creature to photograph would be this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/chaetodontidae/ocellatus.htm">Kite butterflyfish</a> (<i>Parachaetodon ocellatus</i>) that seems to like being associated with the Haddon's carpet anemones. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc5yn8J0Ob0/VpN53xdfUpI/AAAAAAAAgv8/6BsFCgFE2hY/s1600/cj100116p20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc5yn8J0Ob0/VpN53xdfUpI/AAAAAAAAgv8/6BsFCgFE2hY/s400/cj100116p20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a close to this blog post with a half submerged photo of both the boardwalk and the carpet anemone. If possible, we will likely be back again at a much lower tide to do our annual survey at the coral rubble.<br />
<br />
More photos of the survey here: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/koksheng/shares/i01E2w">https://www.flickr.com/photos/koksheng/shares/i01E2w</a>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-43310794814295880322015-07-04T19:10:00.002+08:002015-07-04T19:10:20.554+08:00Annual survey at Chek Jawa's coral rubbleChek Jawa is a special place in many Singaporean's heart. We almost lost this shore to development more than 10 years ago and are heartened to know that it is still around today for many to enjoy and appreciate. For me, it is my first field site as I did my <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.sg/" target="_blank">UROPs project in 2007</a> studying the mass mortality and recruitment of organisms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2iHHZvHzx8/VZevw6ufTkI/AAAAAAAAf5Q/v1sjlig5XpA/s1600/cj040715p01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2iHHZvHzx8/VZevw6ufTkI/AAAAAAAAf5Q/v1sjlig5XpA/s400/cj040715p01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Today, the shores of Chek Jawa are out of bounds to the public to prevent trampling and one needs to follow a guided walk to go down and see the richness of the marine habitat. Thanks to permission from Nparks, a group of us were able to do an annual survey of the coral rubble at Chek Jawa this morning. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NX58U_4Kec8/VZevw0OEmpI/AAAAAAAAf5Y/nW3XA0_djzo/s1600/cj040715p02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NX58U_4Kec8/VZevw0OEmpI/AAAAAAAAf5Y/nW3XA0_djzo/s400/cj040715p02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
How is the coral rubble doing? This was one of the habitats that was hit most during the <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.sg/2007/10/what-caused-mass-death.html" target="_blank">mass death event in 2007</a>. Today, we see the coral rubble very slowly coming back to life.<br />
<br />
One can still find hard corals, soft corals and sponges interspersed around the entire area. However the sponge count seems to have dropped since mid of last year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdgRl_VckGA/VZevw03L6mI/AAAAAAAAf5U/GKHsfB_6UnE/s1600/cj040715p03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdgRl_VckGA/VZevw03L6mI/AAAAAAAAf5U/GKHsfB_6UnE/s400/cj040715p03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Most of the hard corals that we can find would be the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/poritidae/porboulder.htm">Pore hard corals</a> (<i>Porites</i> sp.). All of them are doing well and are not bleaching. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKSQrW9HCZc/VZevxZOE2cI/AAAAAAAAf5g/2jz4-xDHMUQ/s1600/cj040715p04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKSQrW9HCZc/VZevxZOE2cI/AAAAAAAAf5g/2jz4-xDHMUQ/s400/cj040715p04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I also came across a colony of <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/dendrophylliidae/turbinaria.htm">Disk coral</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Turbinaria </span>sp.) and </span><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/siderastreidae/psaboulder.htm">Boulder sandpaper coral</a> (<i>Psammocora</i> sp.). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wH_4BfQDhRU/VZevxh6gsRI/AAAAAAAAf5k/MCrsYwECKvs/s1600/cj040715p05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wH_4BfQDhRU/VZevxh6gsRI/AAAAAAAAf5k/MCrsYwECKvs/s400/cj040715p05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A special hard coral sighted would be this <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/mussidae/symphyllia.htm" target="_blank">Grooved brain coral</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Symphyllia</span> sp.), probably <i>Symphyllia recta</i>. Many thanks to Danwei for the id! I believe it's our first sighting of the brain coral in the north! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C605laWJjgM/VZevxrv_ilI/AAAAAAAAf5s/D-fDKLCW9aQ/s1600/cj040715p06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C605laWJjgM/VZevxrv_ilI/AAAAAAAAf5s/D-fDKLCW9aQ/s400/cj040715p06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Another hard coral-related special find would be these two slugs found feeding on the Pore hard coral! And that is the reason why some of our corals are greyish-blue as it is a result of being fed on. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJT7oUKqYC4/VZevyHd1PmI/AAAAAAAAf5w/ZfE4lH16wa8/s1600/cj040715p07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJT7oUKqYC4/VZevyHd1PmI/AAAAAAAAf5w/ZfE4lH16wa8/s400/cj040715p07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's the underside of the slug, where you can still find some remains of what the slug has been feeding on. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj-Tgbl8KYo/VZevyFtnulI/AAAAAAAAf50/d7IeDBZrjKI/s1600/cj040715p08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj-Tgbl8KYo/VZevyFtnulI/AAAAAAAAf50/d7IeDBZrjKI/s400/cj040715p08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Thanks to Chay Hoon for the id, this aeolid slug is likely <i>Phestilla lugubris</i>. It's our first time seeing it on our intertidal shores. As mentioned on the <a href="http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/pheslugu" target="_blank">Sea slug forum</a>, they are probably much more common than realised, it is very cryptically coloured and often hidden in crevices and beneath the coral blocks to avoid heavy fish predation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAr9UmsKWAQ/VZevyi6SOvI/AAAAAAAAf6A/Wu4_bFR9IQ8/s1600/cj040715p09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAr9UmsKWAQ/VZevyi6SOvI/AAAAAAAAf6A/Wu4_bFR9IQ8/s400/cj040715p09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Another slug that we saw, which is definitely not cryptic in nature would be this flamboyant <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/ianthina.htm">Blue dragon nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pteraeolidia ianthina</span>). The scientific name of this slug is currently being reviewed. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIGVBfxuQJ4/VZevy5pduEI/AAAAAAAAf58/FXUhB3hU0m0/s1600/cj040715p10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIGVBfxuQJ4/VZevy5pduEI/AAAAAAAAf58/FXUhB3hU0m0/s400/cj040715p10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Despite having less sponges on the coral rubble, something worth celebrating would be many of these <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/nephtheidae.htm">Flowery soft corals</a> (Family Nephtheidea) that have grown to occupy a small stretch of the coral rubble. This reminded us of Tuas! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLZtcy2EulE/VZevzK3O-jI/AAAAAAAAf6Q/PSpspxjo9FE/s1600/cj040715p11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLZtcy2EulE/VZevzK3O-jI/AAAAAAAAf6Q/PSpspxjo9FE/s400/cj040715p11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Another consolation would be these <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/porifera/xestospongia.htm">Barrel sponges</a> (<i>Xestospongia testudinaria</i>) that seem to be doing well! Though they are common on pristine reefs in the southern reefs, we hardly see them on our northern reefs. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64RC8FDjXaY/VZevzrNzNtI/AAAAAAAAf6E/iLS47PIjvNE/s1600/cj040715p12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64RC8FDjXaY/VZevzrNzNtI/AAAAAAAAf6E/iLS47PIjvNE/s320/cj040715p12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Moving on to sea stars which are my favourite, I was delighted to find about 5 of these majestic <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/protoreaster.htm">Knobbly sea stars</a> (<i>Protoreaster nodosus</i>). The one on the bottom right of the collage was found on seagrass! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOP_Eh1caN8/VZev0OOsjwI/AAAAAAAAf6c/2RNMQItbP7w/s1600/cj040715p13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOP_Eh1caN8/VZev0OOsjwI/AAAAAAAAf6c/2RNMQItbP7w/s400/cj040715p13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
What was encouraging would be the presence of this young Knobbly sea star which shows that the population is still growing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvN7Ap6rmp4/VZev0Q8efjI/AAAAAAAAf6Y/SXrHtary9UU/s1600/cj040715p14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvN7Ap6rmp4/VZev0Q8efjI/AAAAAAAAf6Y/SXrHtary9UU/s400/cj040715p14.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/goniodiscaster.htm">Biscuit stars</a> (<i>Goniodiscaster scaber</i>) are the most abundant on our survey today! They can be both big and small. And here we have a photobombing <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/monacanthidae/chinensis.htm">Fan-bellied filefish</a> (<i>Monacanthus chinensis</i>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOXEX9Ypueg/VZev0vqPLOI/AAAAAAAAf7E/yV_ZxIu0LJA/s1600/cj040715p15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOXEX9Ypueg/VZev0vqPLOI/AAAAAAAAf7E/yV_ZxIu0LJA/s400/cj040715p15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There was even a six-armed biscuit star that Rene found on the shore!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHl6SgPo3Jk/VZev0_1NvGI/AAAAAAAAf6k/m93vVHzLm68/s1600/cj040715p16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHl6SgPo3Jk/VZev0_1NvGI/AAAAAAAAf6k/m93vVHzLm68/s400/cj040715p16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I later also found a six-armed orange <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/anthenea.htm">Cake sea star</a> (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>)! Cake sea stars come in different colours and patterns. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqSLHL2jFMY/VZev1BeUlqI/AAAAAAAAf6o/JMKLPEUnfvE/s1600/cj040715p17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqSLHL2jFMY/VZev1BeUlqI/AAAAAAAAf6o/JMKLPEUnfvE/s400/cj040715p17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
At first I thought this was a <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/nepred.htm">Scaly sea stars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Nepanthia belcheri</span>) but actually it is a large <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/asterina.htm">Crown sea star</a> (<i>Asterina coronata</i>)! In fact it is the largest crown sea star I've ever seen. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DG5hyXAI5dE/VZev11FterI/AAAAAAAAf64/OyCP0k0YGXI/s1600/cj040715p18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DG5hyXAI5dE/VZev11FterI/AAAAAAAAf64/OyCP0k0YGXI/s400/cj040715p18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Missing from our northern shores for some time would be the <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/syngnathidae/kuda.htm">Estuarine seahorses</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Hippocampus kuda</span>). I am glad to find one on our trip today! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZpKDL08V2U/VZev2FMiNfI/AAAAAAAAf68/yH0dZWF9GT8/s1600/cj040715p19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZpKDL08V2U/VZev2FMiNfI/AAAAAAAAf68/yH0dZWF9GT8/s400/cj040715p19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This master of camouflage is known as the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/crustacea/crab/majoidea/retusa.htm">Velcro crab</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Camposcia retusa</span>).
It is named as a Velcro crab as it has the ability of the velcro to
attached bits and pieces of stuffs on its body so that it can be well
camouflaged with the surrounding, especially when motionless.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT3oibXoh7A/VZev24zoCHI/AAAAAAAAf7M/Yi6Yk0AwkeI/s1600/cj040715p20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT3oibXoh7A/VZev24zoCHI/AAAAAAAAf7M/Yi6Yk0AwkeI/s400/cj040715p20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This brightly coloured and large hermit crab is known as the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/crustacea/othercrust/anomura/hermit/dardanus.htm">Spotted hermit crab</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Dardanus</span>
sp.). We seldom see them on our northern shores. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpqRZnviwsE/VZev3IQUOaI/AAAAAAAAf7Q/YWiLu0qbOvc/s1600/cj040715p21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpqRZnviwsE/VZev3IQUOaI/AAAAAAAAf7Q/YWiLu0qbOvc/s400/cj040715p21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Another uncommon critter of the north (though very common in the south) would be this <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/phymanthus.htm">Frilly sea anemones</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Phymanthus </span>sp.). I only saw one today. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fetaYoYkpg/VZev3XJ5WBI/AAAAAAAAf7U/b1TvTF2_gB0/s1600/cj040715p22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fetaYoYkpg/VZev3XJ5WBI/AAAAAAAAf7U/b1TvTF2_gB0/s400/cj040715p22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/doreensis.htm">Snaky sea anemone</a> (<i>Macrodactyla doreensis</i>) is also uncommon on our northern shores. They are named snakey anemones because of their snake-like tentacles that tend to curl. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPEjV2WwyyE/VZev3ipXRWI/AAAAAAAAf7c/KwemBVvHLEY/s1600/cj040715p23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPEjV2WwyyE/VZev3ipXRWI/AAAAAAAAf7c/KwemBVvHLEY/s400/cj040715p23.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Close to the end of our survey, we noticed the imminent weather approaching from the west. Therefore we have to quickly evacuate before we get hit by the storm. Let's hope Chek Jawa will continue to remain and thrive for a long time.<br />
<br />
More photos of the trip on my facebook album:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153460089758158.1073741886.547198157&type=1&l=55f8ffcc4b">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153460089758158.1073741886.547198157&type=1&l=55f8ffcc4b</a>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-53706825702915525302014-06-14T19:09:00.000+08:002015-07-04T19:13:11.510+08:00The 'S' encounters at Chek JawaHere we go again! Another 2am wake up call this morning and off we were to Chek Jawa for an intertidal survey which we encountered many 'S's! What are these 'S's?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsC3K471iFs/U5wkDYsP2JI/AAAAAAAAdw4/8tQNzUhntOo/s1600/cj160614p01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsC3K471iFs/U5wkDYsP2JI/AAAAAAAAdw4/8tQNzUhntOo/s1600/cj160614p01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The first 'S' is a pleasant one and that would be the sunrise that accompanied the end of our survey. The lovely glow of the sun from the horizon over Johor and Tekong and the lush spread of seaweed with tidal pools make Chek Jawa like the Garden of Eden. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaBQRQCXjag/U5wkDpBAoPI/AAAAAAAAdww/Tui_rVSCj3U/s1600/cj160614p02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaBQRQCXjag/U5wkDpBAoPI/AAAAAAAAdww/Tui_rVSCj3U/s1600/cj160614p02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We started our survey way before sunrise when the moon is still up and shining upon the shores. We spent most of the time surveying the coral rubble as the tide was very low and we could explore the reefy areas extensively. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ_1c-FkcKM/U5wkDss0yII/AAAAAAAAdw0/KSFGbyoYJe0/s1600/cj160614p03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ_1c-FkcKM/U5wkDss0yII/AAAAAAAAdw0/KSFGbyoYJe0/s1600/cj160614p03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Ivan found one of the top 'S' finds of the day, a shark! It was first found underneath a rock. My first time seeing a live baby shark! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Guf9tldyrjI/U5wkEdfmmrI/AAAAAAAAdxU/8jPs60x6L8I/s1600/cj160614p04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Guf9tldyrjI/U5wkEdfmmrI/AAAAAAAAdxU/8jPs60x6L8I/s1600/cj160614p04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a closer look at the shark and Dr Zeehan suggested that it looks like the bamboo shark. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-M12IwbqsI/U5wkEidq2MI/AAAAAAAAdxE/PR8P_uPweTE/s1600/cj160614p05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-M12IwbqsI/U5wkEidq2MI/AAAAAAAAdxE/PR8P_uPweTE/s1600/cj160614p05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Chay Hoon found the next 'S' which is scary and that would be the formidable <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/synanceiidae/horrida.htm">Hollow-cheeked stonefish</a> (<i>Synanceia horrida</i>)! When stepped on, the stonefish is capable of injecting toxin that would cause extreme pain. Unfortunately, these guys are too well camouflaged and hard to spot and avoid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFf2ObHrenQ/U5wkE3T6XfI/AAAAAAAAdxM/aisX1dp3830/s1600/cj160614p06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFf2ObHrenQ/U5wkE3T6XfI/AAAAAAAAdxM/aisX1dp3830/s1600/cj160614p06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And of course, the next 'S' that instills fear would be the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/dasyatidae/lymma.htm">Blue-spotted fantail ray</a> (<i>Taeniura lymma</i>). The stingray has serrated spines that can cut deeply and introduce venom into the wound that can cause excruciating pain. Interestingly, there was also a <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/monacanthidae/chinensis.htm">Fan-bellied filefish</a> (<i>Monacanthus chinensis</i>) swimming across in this photo. Do we consider this as a photo-bomb? Hehe! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVAmR3UOa6g/U5wkFglM7fI/AAAAAAAAdxc/o64_PFBWbUc/s1600/cj160614p07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVAmR3UOa6g/U5wkFglM7fI/AAAAAAAAdxc/o64_PFBWbUc/s1600/cj160614p07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There were also many <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/monacanthidae/tomentosus.htm">Seagrass filefish</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Acreichthys tomentosus</span>) that were either resting or swimming around in the tidal pools. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gg0ee4uPA3U/U5wkFtdUnhI/AAAAAAAAdxk/hEciHabjIVg/s1600/cj160614p08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gg0ee4uPA3U/U5wkFtdUnhI/AAAAAAAAdxk/hEciHabjIVg/s1600/cj160614p08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The coral rubble is littered with lots of 'S's aka sea stars. These are the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/goniodiscaster.htm">Biscuit stars</a> (<i>Goniodiscaster scaber</i>)! They are everywhere and found in various positions and sizes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4RHlIqkJqc/U5wkHdnHHZI/AAAAAAAAdx4/BDJmAZxXlPc/s1600/cj160614p09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4RHlIqkJqc/U5wkHdnHHZI/AAAAAAAAdx4/BDJmAZxXlPc/s1600/cj160614p09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I particularly like this Biscuit star because it looks so clean with neat patterns!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWLLYFuNIDg/U5wkHUNDG6I/AAAAAAAAdxw/xa0w_4OUR08/s1600/cj160614p10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWLLYFuNIDg/U5wkHUNDG6I/AAAAAAAAdxw/xa0w_4OUR08/s1600/cj160614p10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It is such a joy to see many of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/protoreaster.htm">Knobbly sea stars</a> (<i>Protoreaster nodosus</i>) on this trip as usually we would only find a a couple or a few on our previous surveys. Today I saw about 8-9. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0AM45IdCeWc/U5wkHRn3SOI/AAAAAAAAdx0/kRlxOCDOWpY/s1600/cj160614p11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0AM45IdCeWc/U5wkHRn3SOI/AAAAAAAAdx0/kRlxOCDOWpY/s1600/cj160614p11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Of about the same size, I was pleasantly surprised to find this large <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/anthenea.htm">Cake sea star</a> (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>) which is as colourful and speckled with patterns as decorated cakes that we eat. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwx3DBmyRag/U5wkIlttyWI/AAAAAAAAdyM/1bTECQNe244/s1600/cj160614p12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwx3DBmyRag/U5wkIlttyWI/AAAAAAAAdyM/1bTECQNe244/s1600/cj160614p12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There were also smaller Cake sea stars and they can be boring with brown colouration or pretty with pink tips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVqg979yE-M/U5wkIqTRvcI/AAAAAAAAdyI/ptaVimcYdAA/s1600/cj160614p13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVqg979yE-M/U5wkIqTRvcI/AAAAAAAAdyI/ptaVimcYdAA/s1600/cj160614p13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This sea star that closely resembles the Cake sea star is known as the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/gymnanthenea.htm">Spiny sea star</a> (<i>Gymnanthenea laevis</i>). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VaEgZvqR2BQ/U5wkIwRQ7MI/AAAAAAAAdyQ/zriWEFydYdE/s1600/cj160614p14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VaEgZvqR2BQ/U5wkIwRQ7MI/AAAAAAAAdyQ/zriWEFydYdE/s1600/cj160614p14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We also came across two of the six-armed version of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/luimaculata.htm" target="_blank">Eight-armed sand star</a> (<i>Luidia maculata</i>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbaU8rsl8E8/U5wkJv-NVUI/AAAAAAAAdyg/VmOCF3Sg2RA/s1600/cj160614p15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbaU8rsl8E8/U5wkJv-NVUI/AAAAAAAAdyg/VmOCF3Sg2RA/s1600/cj160614p15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We didn't see many sea slugs or flatworms as like our previous trips. The only sea slug I found would be this <span class="fullpost">Aeolid nudibranch (<span style="font-style: italic;">Cratena</span> sp<span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>) found on hydroids. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXKnN7qDBOk/U5wkJpj4r-I/AAAAAAAAdyo/lmLURo1__b8/s1600/cj160614p16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXKnN7qDBOk/U5wkJpj4r-I/AAAAAAAAdyo/lmLURo1__b8/s1600/cj160614p16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We seldom see the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/crustacea/crab/xanthidae/integerrimus.htm">Red egg crab</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Atergatis integerrimus</span>) in the northern shores as they are more usually sighted in the southern shores as they are mainly found on reefy areas. This crab was found at a crevice of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/poritidae/porboulder.htm">Pore hard coral</a> (<i>Porites</i> sp.).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOlo0XPEhT8/U5wkKKx-ATI/AAAAAAAAdyk/VLTkbUx4QtY/s1600/cj160614p17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOlo0XPEhT8/U5wkKKx-ATI/AAAAAAAAdyk/VLTkbUx4QtY/s1600/cj160614p17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Most of the Pore hard corals are still doing alright despite the regional bleaching event. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow5qlVItfyE/U5wkK9SwAsI/AAAAAAAAd0Y/vh2ZtODYDa4/s1600/cj160614p19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow5qlVItfyE/U5wkK9SwAsI/AAAAAAAAd0Y/vh2ZtODYDa4/s1600/cj160614p19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I only came across two colonies which are partially bleached as they are in pale yellow / brown. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OJUuggUoSw/U5wkKkANPII/AAAAAAAAdy8/tREIvxByUnc/s1600/cj160614p18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OJUuggUoSw/U5wkKkANPII/AAAAAAAAdy8/tREIvxByUnc/s1600/cj160614p18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Other than the Pore hard corals, we also came across this version which I'm not too sure if it is the Pore hard coral or the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/siderastreidae/psaboulder.htm">Sandpaper coral</a> (<i>Psammocora</i> sp.).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2DMA1W-yUU/U5wkLCiaYQI/AAAAAAAAdy4/oQ5OAhEHTAE/s1600/cj160614p20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2DMA1W-yUU/U5wkLCiaYQI/AAAAAAAAdy4/oQ5OAhEHTAE/s1600/cj160614p20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A special hard coral found on Chek Jawa would be this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/poritidae/gonbig.htm">Anemone coral</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Goniopora</span> sp.) that we commonly see in the south. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBj4V81Ejks/U5wkLeRJHfI/AAAAAAAAdzA/_4WfM8fASfs/s1600/cj160614p21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBj4V81Ejks/U5wkLeRJHfI/AAAAAAAAdzA/_4WfM8fASfs/s1600/cj160614p21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/nepball.htm">Ball flowery soft corals</a> are not as abundant here as compared to our remote northern shore at Beting Bronok. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LBfrBhtMGY/U5wkL1rPbUI/AAAAAAAAdzI/9Ch7T1y1eGE/s1600/cj160614p22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LBfrBhtMGY/U5wkL1rPbUI/AAAAAAAAdzI/9Ch7T1y1eGE/s1600/cj160614p22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
How are the <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/gorgonacea/gorgonacea.htm">Sea fans or Gorgonians</a> (Order Gorgonacea)</span> doing? They are still around but definitely not as abundant as those that we find at East Coast or Changi shore. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2pLIUdIkHM/U5wkMPb3wTI/AAAAAAAAdzQ/nQyI-1KpSps/s1600/cj160614p23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2pLIUdIkHM/U5wkMPb3wTI/AAAAAAAAdzQ/nQyI-1KpSps/s1600/cj160614p23.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
Here are two of the different types of sea fans that we saw on the trip today. They were exposed at the lowest tide.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpkUWnR4hCY/U5wkMtqbOjI/AAAAAAAAdzY/UuGlDAfzDP0/s1600/cj160614p24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpkUWnR4hCY/U5wkMtqbOjI/AAAAAAAAdzY/UuGlDAfzDP0/s1600/cj160614p24.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The disappointment of today's trip would be the loss of sponge coverage on the coral rubble. We saw a lot less sponges on this trip as compared to half a year ago. Not too sure what happened. Some of the sponges that still can be found include this black one. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfKd5j8uQL4/U5wkNMKK_zI/AAAAAAAAdzg/Zz3ADHXPIOY/s1600/cj160614p25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfKd5j8uQL4/U5wkNMKK_zI/AAAAAAAAdzg/Zz3ADHXPIOY/s1600/cj160614p25.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
All is not lost as we still do have some uncommon sponges still surviving such as these <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/porifera/xestospongia.htm">Barrel sponges</a> (<i>Xestospongia testudinaria</i>).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lS8weds0TDw/U5wkNazBhYI/AAAAAAAAdzo/PfncmeRddbA/s1600/cj160614p26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lS8weds0TDw/U5wkNazBhYI/AAAAAAAAdzo/PfncmeRddbA/s1600/cj160614p26.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Ivan and I came across this hermit crab that we do not know of its identity. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feIGj-A5hJk/U5wkN90fWvI/AAAAAAAAdzw/0o5q-sUQvmE/s1600/cj160614p27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feIGj-A5hJk/U5wkN90fWvI/AAAAAAAAdzw/0o5q-sUQvmE/s1600/cj160614p27.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And both of us also stumble upon this pair of mating <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/arthropoda/limulidae/carcinoscorpius.htm">Mangrove horseshoe crab</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Carcinoscopius rotundicauda</span>). As part of the ritual, the males which are smaller hitch a ride on the females using their specially adapted hooked first legs. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6D5NwYHqgZQ/U5wkOCtWWqI/AAAAAAAAdz0/Vj_iSMJl_Ik/s1600/cj160614p28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6D5NwYHqgZQ/U5wkOCtWWqI/AAAAAAAAdz0/Vj_iSMJl_Ik/s1600/cj160614p28.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Similar to yesterday's trip, we also came across this uncommon cowrie which is likely to be the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/cypraeidae/gracilis.htm" target="_blank">Graceful cowrie</a> (<i>Purpuradusta gracilis</i>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RnDJ0OGmHE/U5wkOjiQwxI/AAAAAAAAd0I/PHQ_43TE4dM/s1600/cj160614p29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RnDJ0OGmHE/U5wkOjiQwxI/AAAAAAAAd0I/PHQ_43TE4dM/s1600/cj160614p29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/haddoni.htm">Haddon's carpet anemones</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Stichodactyla haddoni</span>) are doing very well at the southern parts of Chek Jawa! Glad that they are not bleaching. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WqfSo8lTa8/U5wkPsqRffI/AAAAAAAAd0k/YNapMNmqnYc/s1600/cj160614p31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WqfSo8lTa8/U5wkPsqRffI/AAAAAAAAd0k/YNapMNmqnYc/s1600/cj160614p31.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was shocked to see yet another prey of the carpet anemone as it was in the process of consuming a Biscuit sea star!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUsi3np_coE/U5wkO1xiqzI/AAAAAAAAd0E/jH7EqTCpaos/s1600/cj160614p30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUsi3np_coE/U5wkO1xiqzI/AAAAAAAAd0E/jH7EqTCpaos/s1600/cj160614p30.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Another special find of the trip would be the <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/doreensis.htm">Snaky sea anemone</a> (<i>Macrodactyla doreensis</i>). They are named snakey anemones because of their snake-like tentacles that tend to curl. It is my first time seeing this special anemone at Chek Jawa!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mqL4TXweTo/U5wkP_spXyI/AAAAAAAAd0g/BJTrwdchSaQ/s1600/cj160614p32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mqL4TXweTo/U5wkP_spXyI/AAAAAAAAd0g/BJTrwdchSaQ/s1600/cj160614p32.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We were spared the Sumatra squall though the weather forecast mentioned it will happen during predawn hours. So blessed are we to enjoy a wonderful sunrise!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XtR0nHe1Cbo/U5wkQAjr5UI/AAAAAAAAd0c/HuJ3wmNQMpk/s1600/cj160614p33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XtR0nHe1Cbo/U5wkQAjr5UI/AAAAAAAAd0c/HuJ3wmNQMpk/s1600/cj160614p33.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a look of the seagrass lagoon overlooking Johor. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwmYfN9hQCE/U5wkQuWaxOI/AAAAAAAAd0s/sDDHTPq0MaU/s1600/cj160614p34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwmYfN9hQCE/U5wkQuWaxOI/AAAAAAAAd0s/sDDHTPq0MaU/s1600/cj160614p34.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
May Chek Jawa remain tranquil and peaceful and continue to allow our marine creatures to thrive and for us to enjoy!<br />
<br />
Thank you Nparks for giving us permission to document the shores of Chek Jawa as the intertidal area and the waters around it is out of bounds to the public.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-946817290285274762014-01-31T15:22:00.001+08:002014-01-31T15:22:33.460+08:00Any Impact on Chek Jawa from Dec flood at Johor?Every year towards December and January, it is likely to come across news on floods in Johor and other parts of Malaysia. It was the flood of Dec 2006 and Jan 2007 that lead to a mass mortality of marine invertebrates in Chek Jawa. To find out more on what happened back then, you may read my blog post on What caused the mass death <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.sg/2007/10/what-caused-mass-death.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
On Dec 2013, we read <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/se-asia/story/malaysia-floods-more-7500-evacuated-johor-20131204" target="_blank">news of yet more flood in Johor</a> and therefore it is imperative for us to do a check on whether the outflow of freshwater into the Johor Straits have any impact on Chek Jawa. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Faoy2t81jac/UutBt5vXAzI/AAAAAAAAc44/OEo5kZa3D_Q/s1600/cj040114p01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Faoy2t81jac/UutBt5vXAzI/AAAAAAAAc44/OEo5kZa3D_Q/s1600/cj040114p01.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
With special permission from National Parks Board, a small team of us were able to survey the intertidal shore of Chek Jawa on an evening. And we were relieved to not experience any sight of mass mortality on the shore. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlEf5PM8vZ8/UutBtyk2YoI/AAAAAAAAc5E/MMYgNQLs2hU/s1600/cj040114p02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlEf5PM8vZ8/UutBtyk2YoI/AAAAAAAAc5E/MMYgNQLs2hU/s1600/cj040114p02.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/haddoni.htm">Haddon's carpet anemones</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Stichodactyla haddoni</span>) are still doing well. Most of them that I saw on the trip were healthy, not showing any signs of distress. I only came across one or two of them that does not look good. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKK8Da_aPjo/UutBt27ilUI/AAAAAAAAc4w/xNK8V2TDqGE/s1600/cj040114p03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKK8Da_aPjo/UutBt27ilUI/AAAAAAAAc4w/xNK8V2TDqGE/s1600/cj040114p03.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I went up to the northern shore to have a look at how it is doing. The seagrasses are growing very abundantly and there were evidently more carpet anemones! A good sign. Also, there are several of these <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/cercodemas.htm">Pink warty sea cucumbers</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Cercodemas anceps</span>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lc1lQhV0i0/UutBuU1sRUI/AAAAAAAAc5Q/ji_bdQBE3U4/s1600/cj040114p04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lc1lQhV0i0/UutBuU1sRUI/AAAAAAAAc5Q/ji_bdQBE3U4/s1600/cj040114p04.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Another sign of the northern shore doing well would be having to see a wider variety of sea stars at this stretch ranging from <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/goniodiscaster.htm">Biscuit stars</a> (<i>Goniodiscaster scaber</i>), <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/sandplain.htm">Sand stars</a> (<i>Astropecten</i> sp.) and <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/anthenea.htm">Cake sea stars</a> (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>)! What a delight to see them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Bxsy3MIEzA/UutBukDOdpI/AAAAAAAAc5M/V-u2TkLFccg/s1600/cj040114p05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Bxsy3MIEzA/UutBukDOdpI/AAAAAAAAc5M/V-u2TkLFccg/s1600/cj040114p05.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
A tiny sea star was spotted by the gals and we suspect it could very well be a juvenile version of the Cake sea star. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sERWng48JD4/UutBu7mbkeI/AAAAAAAAc5U/Z3_5GXniWFg/s1600/cj040114p06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sERWng48JD4/UutBu7mbkeI/AAAAAAAAc5U/Z3_5GXniWFg/s1600/cj040114p06.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
From the quick survey, we can see that the marine invertebrates are thriving- ranging from sea cucumbers, cerianthids and sand sollars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdXZoZC2p04/UutBvMIDVhI/AAAAAAAAc5k/fdFRZQ8Hckc/s1600/cj040114p07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdXZoZC2p04/UutBvMIDVhI/AAAAAAAAc5k/fdFRZQ8Hckc/s1600/cj040114p07.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I came across this yellow sea cucumber that I don't think I have seen before at Chek Jawa. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlDmKUkOX1A/UutBvZnHgUI/AAAAAAAAc5o/zQZjAXucNjs/s1600/cj040114p08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlDmKUkOX1A/UutBvZnHgUI/AAAAAAAAc5o/zQZjAXucNjs/s1600/cj040114p08.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The size, shape and features of this sea cucumber looks very similar to the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/scabra.htm">Garlic bread sea cucumber</a> (<i>Holothuria scabra</i>). It could be a different morph of the same species or yet another species altogether.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_deNkVkCOM/UutBvh2cTSI/AAAAAAAAc5s/sQvNAmeEJeM/s1600/cj040114p09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_deNkVkCOM/UutBvh2cTSI/AAAAAAAAc5s/sQvNAmeEJeM/s1600/cj040114p09.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
As the sun sets, we quickly checked out the coral rubble when the tide receded to its lowest. This is the richest part of Chek Jawa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7R2PTXV5ME/UutBwTQOqDI/AAAAAAAAc58/N68FUrkWMww/s1600/cj040114p10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7R2PTXV5ME/UutBwTQOqDI/AAAAAAAAc58/N68FUrkWMww/s1600/cj040114p10.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
The coral rubble is very different from the sandy and seagrass habitats and is home to lots of colourful marine life such as sponges, anemones, zoanthids and ascidians. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51yoxq8agBQ/UutBwbfwg8I/AAAAAAAAc6I/AIFy3TkCloU/s1600/cj040114p11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51yoxq8agBQ/UutBwbfwg8I/AAAAAAAAc6I/AIFy3TkCloU/s1600/cj040114p11.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's another look of the crowded coral rubble with anemones, sponges, zoanthids, fan worm and even a sea cucumber wedged amongst the encrustations. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1L2s6g0NWg/UutBwgCMniI/AAAAAAAAc6E/ipRbPe6Gu_8/s1600/cj040114p12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1L2s6g0NWg/UutBwgCMniI/AAAAAAAAc6E/ipRbPe6Gu_8/s1600/cj040114p12.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Though the tide was not supposed to be very low, we could still see a good variety and mosaic of sponges in different colours and forms exposed. During the mass death in Jan 2007, many of these sponges literally melted due to the drastic drop in salinity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5qUaVoH5Ac/UutBxOugUQI/AAAAAAAAc6M/IDaW37C1dn4/s1600/cj040114p13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5qUaVoH5Ac/UutBxOugUQI/AAAAAAAAc6M/IDaW37C1dn4/s1600/cj040114p13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The ladies of the survey team are superb. With them around (especially Chay Hoon), there is no lack of nudibranch and sea slug finds. One of the many finds include this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/spongiosa.htm">Purple foot nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Atagema spongiosa</span>). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzEhwlEx-zs/UutBxdmYSAI/AAAAAAAAc6k/HkEGoIkYJ6g/s1600/cj040114p14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzEhwlEx-zs/UutBxdmYSAI/AAAAAAAAc6k/HkEGoIkYJ6g/s1600/cj040114p14.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I have not seen this <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/actinocyclus.htm">Actinocyclus nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Actinocyclus</span> sp.) since 2009 and was elated to see it at Chek Jawa. This slug is usually seen at Tuas. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-m8IwIGDcg/UutBxUDNTJI/AAAAAAAAc6g/5WTlaCsOLf8/s1600/cj040114p15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-m8IwIGDcg/UutBxUDNTJI/AAAAAAAAc6g/5WTlaCsOLf8/s1600/cj040114p15.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Chay Hoon found a new slug sighting! And this well camouflaged slug was found through the egg ribbons laid on the sponge. This is probably a <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><i>Jorunna</i> sp.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XiIr_C6XRUk/UutBx93IIVI/AAAAAAAAc6c/ibUVIyR1QAI/s1600/cj040114p16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XiIr_C6XRUk/UutBx93IIVI/AAAAAAAAc6c/ibUVIyR1QAI/s1600/cj040114p16.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
My first time seeing this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/cephalaspidea/hydatinidae.htm">Paper bubble snail</a> (<i>Hydatina</i> sp.)! This is such an elegant creature!<br /> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVzn8ksAX14/UutBy-1pbqI/AAAAAAAAc7I/jlLoeHYyTBc/s1600/cj040114p17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVzn8ksAX14/UutBy-1pbqI/AAAAAAAAc7I/jlLoeHYyTBc/s1600/cj040114p17.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a collage of more slugs that we saw on the trip ranging from the purplish <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/denisoni.htm">Denison's nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Dendrodoris denisoni</span>), </span></span><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/intecta.htm">Black prickly nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Atagema intecta</span>), </span><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/hypink.htm">Hypselodoris nudibranch</a> (<i>Hypselodoris</i> sp.) and the <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/nodulosa.htm">Beaded nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Hoplodoris nodulosa</span>).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYHrXtUb7Cs/UutByuDSXmI/AAAAAAAAc6s/GK3-5cSAuH4/s1600/cj040114p18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYHrXtUb7Cs/UutByuDSXmI/AAAAAAAAc6s/GK3-5cSAuH4/s1600/cj040114p18.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
And even MORE sea stars were sighted at the coral rubble! This collage shows the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/gymnanthenea.htm">Spiny sea stars</a> (<i>Gymnanthenea laevis</i>), <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/nepred.htm">Scaly sea stars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Nepanthia belcheri</span>), <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/luimaculata.htm" target="_blank">Eight-armed sand star</a> (<i>Luidia maculata</i>), <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/goniodiscaster.htm">Biscuit star</a> (<i>Goniodiscaster scaber</i>) and <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/anthenea.htm">Cake sea stars</a> (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYRwArMqNtg/UutByqGqwvI/AAAAAAAAc68/lTsgn-_9TaY/s1600/cj040114p19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYRwArMqNtg/UutByqGqwvI/AAAAAAAAc68/lTsgn-_9TaY/s1600/cj040114p19.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I was searching high and low for the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/protoreaster.htm">Knobbly sea star</a> (<i>Protoreaster nodosus</i>) and was relieved to find one adult individual. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xa5ARPX6U4/UutBzdHnYKI/AAAAAAAAc7E/13wW-UXjIZE/s1600/cj040114p20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xa5ARPX6U4/UutBzdHnYKI/AAAAAAAAc7E/13wW-UXjIZE/s1600/cj040114p20.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
More echinoderms can be found even on the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/nepspiky.htm">Spiky flowery soft corals</a> (<i>Stereonephthya</i> sp.)! Where are they? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLphvYebCLE/UutBz7osdcI/AAAAAAAAc7g/cn9hRYeMer0/s1600/cj040114p21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLphvYebCLE/UutBz7osdcI/AAAAAAAAc7g/cn9hRYeMer0/s1600/cj040114p21.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
If you take a closer look, you would spot many of these really tiny orange brittle stars! Amazing isn't it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWCaQjjJ-_Q/UutB0IrhotI/AAAAAAAAc7Y/p-NPQk0ccS0/s1600/cj040114p22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWCaQjjJ-_Q/UutB0IrhotI/AAAAAAAAc7Y/p-NPQk0ccS0/s1600/cj040114p22.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's more commensals on soft corals. These photos show the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/ophiuroidea/tinycolourful.htm">Tiny colourful brittle stars</a> (<i>Ophiothela danae</i>) that live on the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/neppink.htm">Pink flowery soft corals</a> (Family Nephtheidae). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u-gqhNXMmhI/UutB0PqLYWI/AAAAAAAAc7c/D141HzUP5uQ/s1600/cj040114p23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u-gqhNXMmhI/UutB0PqLYWI/AAAAAAAAc7c/D141HzUP5uQ/s1600/cj040114p23.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Ending off the post, here's a feature on the flatworms at the coral rubble. Just at the foot of the pillar of the boardwalk are plenty of these <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/baibaiye.htm">Little ruby flatworms</a> (<i>Phrikoceros baibaiye</i>)! There was an explosion of these flatworms and we found them in great numbers on this trip. Looks like they are in season.<br />
<br />
There is actually another flatworm in this photo found on the pillar. Can you spot it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YEp8pTTP7wQ/UutB0gEC3JI/AAAAAAAAc7k/t5fJWgyNUo4/s1600/cj040114p24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YEp8pTTP7wQ/UutB0gEC3JI/AAAAAAAAc7k/t5fJWgyNUo4/s1600/cj040114p24.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a closeup on the flatworm found on the pillar. This brown flatworm with white edge has not been sighted before! Probably another first sighting!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TA13ssXsZKY/UutB1GmHp6I/AAAAAAAAc7w/qaiM0vrGM3w/s1600/cj040114p25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TA13ssXsZKY/UutB1GmHp6I/AAAAAAAAc7w/qaiM0vrGM3w/s1600/cj040114p25.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
And here's a collage of the different flatworms found on the trip. They are the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/indicus.htm">Blue-spotted flatworm</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudoceros indicus</span>), </span></span><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/gratus.htm">Brown striped flatworm</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudobiceros gratus</span>), </span></span></span><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/fineline.htm">Fine-lined flatworm</a> and the <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/blueline.htm">Blue-lined flatworm</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudoceros</span>
sp.).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJMXWU2V5e0/UutB1Jq5WGI/AAAAAAAAc70/OJZZVBiIxis/s1600/cj040114p26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJMXWU2V5e0/UutB1Jq5WGI/AAAAAAAAc70/OJZZVBiIxis/s1600/cj040114p26.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
From this survey, it looks like Chek Jawa is doing fine and is not affected by the recent floods in the north. Let's hope the shore will continue to thrive like this blooming <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/plants/coastal/memecylon/edule.htm" target="_blank">Delek air</a> (<i>Memecylon edule</i>), an endangered tree found near the cliff of Chek Jawa. Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-8473732662663140862013-08-26T20:53:00.000+08:002013-08-26T20:53:07.902+08:00Chek Jawa survey of coral rubble near beaconWe are back at Chek Jawa on a predawn survey and focused on the coral rubble near the Chek Jawa front beacon. We <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.sg/2013/07/chek-jawa-coral-rubble-survey-after-4.html" target="_blank">were here last month</a> but the tide was not low enough to document what lies out there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7tvKFSNJo4/Uhm0DyufOQI/AAAAAAAAcDg/bcVtYV6N6BI/s1600/cj210813p01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7tvKFSNJo4/Uhm0DyufOQI/AAAAAAAAcDg/bcVtYV6N6BI/s400/cj210813p01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The tide went out extensively and we were able to survey the coral rubble beyond the beacon itself. So how is this fragile but also richest stretch of Chek Jawa shore doing?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnzKcNZhkDI/Uhm0ERAhQ4I/AAAAAAAAcDo/ShmOvOAY6IA/s1600/cj210813p02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnzKcNZhkDI/Uhm0ERAhQ4I/AAAAAAAAcDo/ShmOvOAY6IA/s400/cj210813p02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There were quite a number of colourful sponges at the coral rubble but it was just a glimpse of how colourful and thick the marine life was before the <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.sg/2007/10/what-caused-mass-death.html" target="_blank">mass mortality event in 2007</a>.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I have never visited Chek Jawa before the mass death. In fact <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.sg/2007/01/chek-jawa-200107.html" target="_blank">my first visit to Chek Jawa was when we witnessed the mortality event</a>. :( <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcbfZZFXb1Q/Uhs5Z9cNd3I/AAAAAAAAcHg/ywZYWow6-S0/s1600/sponge+garden+wildsingapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcbfZZFXb1Q/Uhs5Z9cNd3I/AAAAAAAAcHg/ywZYWow6-S0/s400/sponge+garden+wildsingapore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
From <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsingapore/601505539/" target="_blank">Ria's old photo taken in 2002</a>, you can see that whole coral rubble was covered with thick growths of colourful sponges and other marine organisms. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQhbGe5mXlY/Uhm0LDGLk0I/AAAAAAAAcGk/K0c8e5Vcgl8/s1600/cj210813p24.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQhbGe5mXlY/Uhm0LDGLk0I/AAAAAAAAcGk/K0c8e5Vcgl8/s400/cj210813p24.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="267" /></a></div>
However, a shot of the beacon area on this trip reveals that the current status is still only a shadow of the glorious past. But recovery is STILL taking place and it is doing so slowly and probably may change into a habitat that is not exactly the same as in the past. Whether it is for better or for worse, time will tell.<br />
<br />
I was searching high and low for the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/protoreaster.htm">Knobbly sea stars</a> (<i>Protoreaster nodosus</i>) and was relieved to find two of them near the front beacon. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bp1s3R2ixcA/Uhm0LnTXBxI/AAAAAAAAcGo/QiP7Hotp74Q/s1600/cj210813p25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bp1s3R2ixcA/Uhm0LnTXBxI/AAAAAAAAcGo/QiP7Hotp74Q/s400/cj210813p25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Finding these two knobblies is significant for an echinoderm lover like me and makes me believe that marine life is still hanging on tightly on this shore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7_K2CebK80/Uhm0EKFXQWI/AAAAAAAAcDw/aLDN70921Nk/s1600/cj210813p03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7_K2CebK80/Uhm0EKFXQWI/AAAAAAAAcDw/aLDN70921Nk/s400/cj210813p03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A lovely sight on this trip would be these small growths of the <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/porifera/xestospongia.htm">Barrel sponges</a> (<i>Xestospongia testudinaria</i>) which were also found in the 2002 photo at the bottom left hand corner. I do hope that many of these will proliferate and grow into larger ones in the future. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-ALO9c1MFU/Uhm0ElQA9xI/AAAAAAAAcD4/lMEhcFsbn7U/s1600/cj210813p04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-ALO9c1MFU/Uhm0ElQA9xI/AAAAAAAAcD4/lMEhcFsbn7U/s400/cj210813p04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Certain stretches of the coral rubble can be quite colourful as they are covered with lots of encrusting sponges, corallimorphs, ascidians, zoanthids and algae. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCv6urT0GYk/Uhm0E-iw_xI/AAAAAAAAcD8/ZBFXIbZuAyY/s1600/cj210813p05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCv6urT0GYk/Uhm0E-iw_xI/AAAAAAAAcD8/ZBFXIbZuAyY/s400/cj210813p05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There are also many <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/posy.htm">Posy sea anemones</a> like what we would find on Pulau Sekudu, which is a stone's throw away. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ROLsFLcMeQ/Uhm0FEjYCTI/AAAAAAAAcEI/gmD6EBkEkPk/s1600/cj210813p06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ROLsFLcMeQ/Uhm0FEjYCTI/AAAAAAAAcEI/gmD6EBkEkPk/s400/cj210813p06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There are also quite a number of <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/gorgonacea/gorgonacea.htm">Sea fans or Gorgonians</a> (Order Gorgonacea). Though many of them are yellow and branching, I also came across a short and highly branched pink version and also two of them that are probably </span><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/gorgonacea/whip.htm">Sea whips</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YvuvuA3gL4/Uhm0FmF5V8I/AAAAAAAAcEM/Vaj1zvQ52yQ/s1600/cj210813p07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YvuvuA3gL4/Uhm0FmF5V8I/AAAAAAAAcEM/Vaj1zvQ52yQ/s400/cj210813p07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This sea fan has something stuck onto the branches and it seems to be sponges and hydroids.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7F-DYrE21cU/Uhm0F7za4TI/AAAAAAAAcEY/g_pFhfnVcFY/s1600/cj210813p08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7F-DYrE21cU/Uhm0F7za4TI/AAAAAAAAcEY/g_pFhfnVcFY/s400/cj210813p08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The seagrass shore near the coral rubble is filled with plenty of <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/haddoni.htm">Haddon's carpet anemones</a> (<i>Stichodactyla haddoni</i>)! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDkY8CJshMM/Uhm0Gc148uI/AAAAAAAAcEc/7TqajpBE54M/s1600/cj210813p08a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDkY8CJshMM/Uhm0Gc148uI/AAAAAAAAcEc/7TqajpBE54M/s400/cj210813p08a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A purple Haddon's carpet anemone has three of the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/chaetodontidae/ocellatus.htm">Kite butterflyfish</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Parachaetodon ocellatus</span>) swimming near the tentacles. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoO_OTJxuew/Uhm0GgsCshI/AAAAAAAAcEs/Ro3M-nAKrcs/s1600/cj210813p09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoO_OTJxuew/Uhm0GgsCshI/AAAAAAAAcEs/Ro3M-nAKrcs/s400/cj210813p09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As for this carpet anemone, the colour looks slightly brighter than the common ones that we find on our shores. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg5DV4Duu18/Uhm0G3vnwSI/AAAAAAAAcEo/lnayvCFCRUQ/s1600/cj210813p10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg5DV4Duu18/Uhm0G3vnwSI/AAAAAAAAcEo/lnayvCFCRUQ/s400/cj210813p10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
These carpet anemones are also found in good numbers at the coral rubble and they are sometimes found together with sponges and soft corals like what you see in this photo. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTkgC3BAXUs/Uhm0HbiwLOI/AAAAAAAAcE4/LZ8JLA3UydY/s1600/cj210813p11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTkgC3BAXUs/Uhm0HbiwLOI/AAAAAAAAcE4/LZ8JLA3UydY/s400/cj210813p11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Not observed previously at Chek Jawa, there are many of these <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/nepspiky.htm">Spiky flowery soft corals</a> (<i>Stereonephthya</i> sp.) that are commonly found on Tuas. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DY0zpqPzZFY/Uhm0H6Ji8rI/AAAAAAAAcFA/Gmygbcjk5Nc/s1600/cj210813p12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DY0zpqPzZFY/Uhm0H6Ji8rI/AAAAAAAAcFA/Gmygbcjk5Nc/s400/cj210813p12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
They are found in different colours such as yellow, orange, blue and sometimes in pink.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M7YM6_19qc/Uhm0H0UUjdI/AAAAAAAAcFE/DgTJ5z3_p04/s1600/cj210813p13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M7YM6_19qc/Uhm0H0UUjdI/AAAAAAAAcFE/DgTJ5z3_p04/s400/cj210813p13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There are also a few <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/neppink.htm">Pink flowery soft corals</a> (Family Nephtheidae) at the coral rubble.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HiwXXCaWwHI/Uhm0IK7QGnI/AAAAAAAAcFo/0y0j0zQaoJY/s1600/cj210813p14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HiwXXCaWwHI/Uhm0IK7QGnI/AAAAAAAAcFo/0y0j0zQaoJY/s400/cj210813p14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And if you were to pay a closer look at the tentacles, you would realize that there are commensals such as <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/ophiuroidea/tinycolourful.htm">Tiny colourful brittle stars</a> (<i>Ophiothela danae</i>) that live on these soft corals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH5QEZ_Iz_E/Uhm0IpFdOLI/AAAAAAAAcFQ/U_awoCLrjbU/s1600/cj210813p15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH5QEZ_Iz_E/Uhm0IpFdOLI/AAAAAAAAcFQ/U_awoCLrjbU/s400/cj210813p15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Also another type of soft coral, I only saw one <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/nepball.htm">Ball flowery soft coral</a> though. It has a commensal snapping shrimp that I didn't notice until I processed the photos back at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YFgb2cjHr8/Uhm0I_ZMy7I/AAAAAAAAcFU/haB0ipJrabU/s1600/cj210813p16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YFgb2cjHr8/Uhm0I_ZMy7I/AAAAAAAAcFU/haB0ipJrabU/s400/cj210813p16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A good sign of recovery would be many small and medium-sized colonies of the boulder-shaped <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/poritidae/porboulder.htm">Pore hard corals</a> (<i>Porites</i> sp.).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxZpIAuTQHU/Uhm0JXJQmVI/AAAAAAAAcFg/6HZ8wWsDIEU/s1600/cj210813p17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxZpIAuTQHU/Uhm0JXJQmVI/AAAAAAAAcFg/6HZ8wWsDIEU/s400/cj210813p17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There was even a <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/pseudochromidae/subducens.htm">Carpet eel blenny</a> (<i>Congrogadus subducens</i>) lurking inside the crevice of the hard coral!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpLlyiCUiLU/Uhm0JSBPqfI/AAAAAAAAcFw/e5QRjxHK3i8/s1600/cj210813p18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpLlyiCUiLU/Uhm0JSBPqfI/AAAAAAAAcFw/e5QRjxHK3i8/s400/cj210813p18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I also came across a dark green version of the Pore hard coral which is quite large as compared to the others on the coral rubble. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKF5rIT5dNc/Uhm0J8P98eI/AAAAAAAAcF8/YjGA70a5CuQ/s1600/cj210813p19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKF5rIT5dNc/Uhm0J8P98eI/AAAAAAAAcF8/YjGA70a5CuQ/s400/cj210813p19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The polyps of these types of hard corals are very small and these also explains for the short tentacles that stick out like star-like structures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GUw7N6Oq1E/Uhm0KIOhKGI/AAAAAAAAcF4/ggToALr7Zo0/s1600/cj210813p20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GUw7N6Oq1E/Uhm0KIOhKGI/AAAAAAAAcF4/ggToALr7Zo0/s400/cj210813p20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm not too sure what this colony of hard coral is.... could it also be the pore hard coral? Or is it the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/siderastreidae/hexaneat.htm">Neat hexa corals</a> (<i>Pseudosiderastrea tayami</i>)?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiS2xL21ClQ/Uhm0KQ6hc3I/AAAAAAAAcGM/KXfeeZtVYiM/s1600/cj210813p21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiS2xL21ClQ/Uhm0KQ6hc3I/AAAAAAAAcGM/KXfeeZtVYiM/s400/cj210813p21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I also saw the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/siderastreidae/psaboulder.htm">Boulder sandpaper coral</a> (<i>Psammocora</i> sp.) on the edge of the coral rubble. This colony is quite large!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amwwN9qKCIQ/Uhm0KuVSCRI/AAAAAAAAcGQ/F36e-0-rwMc/s1600/cj210813p22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amwwN9qKCIQ/Uhm0KuVSCRI/AAAAAAAAcGQ/F36e-0-rwMc/s400/cj210813p22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There was another one that was found beside a carpet anemone. Though the splashy waves made it hard to photograph, it was a relief that the waters are quite clear when the tide was at its minimum. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7HUongJaaU/Uhm0K6fPaYI/AAAAAAAAcGc/zu7Y9TnSQ4Q/s1600/cj210813p23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7HUongJaaU/Uhm0K6fPaYI/AAAAAAAAcGc/zu7Y9TnSQ4Q/s400/cj210813p23.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There are small clumps of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/plants/seagrass/enhalus.htm">Tape seagrass</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Enhalus acoroides</span>) at the deeper ends though the blades have been "chomped off". The tape seagrass is seldom seen on Chek Jawa. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4u4XVIz3_c8/Uhm0LuE0IYI/AAAAAAAAcGs/b8r_J4ZOw08/s1600/cj210813p26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4u4XVIz3_c8/Uhm0LuE0IYI/AAAAAAAAcGs/b8r_J4ZOw08/s400/cj210813p26.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Lots of echinoderm reside on the shores of Chek Jawa such as this six-armed version of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/luimaculata.htm" target="_blank">Eight-armed sand star</a> (<i>Luidia maculata</i>). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vraj-4iSG-Q/Uhm0MJO3XQI/AAAAAAAAcG4/2DSmNuuDoy8/s1600/cj210813p27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vraj-4iSG-Q/Uhm0MJO3XQI/AAAAAAAAcG4/2DSmNuuDoy8/s400/cj210813p27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There were also two of the blue and black <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/crinoidea/crinoidea.htm">Feather stars</a> (Order Comatulida) which looks elegant when their arms are extended outwards.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkrdmbed4Q4/Uhm0MS6O-vI/AAAAAAAAcG8/Ni0KVeuzyXs/s1600/cj210813p28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkrdmbed4Q4/Uhm0MS6O-vI/AAAAAAAAcG8/Ni0KVeuzyXs/s400/cj210813p28.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Though sighted at Sekudu a few times on previous trips, this is my first sighting of the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/leucospilota.htm">Long black sea cucumber</a> (<i>Holothuria leucospilota</i>) on Chek Jawa. These sea cucumbers are very commonly found on rocky shores of the South.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JM_aXe9r1Cg/Uhm0MjY1GtI/AAAAAAAAcHM/BkC2XHKSPe8/s1600/cj210813p29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JM_aXe9r1Cg/Uhm0MjY1GtI/AAAAAAAAcHM/BkC2XHKSPe8/s400/cj210813p29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Ria shared with me her find of this <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/synbig.htm">Synaptic sea cucumber</a></span></span></span></span></span> that was found coiled around the yellow sponges. Apparently, she saw quite a number of them which I was oblivious of their presence when documenting the coral rubble. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gntjYimUQig/Uhm0NKPsDNI/AAAAAAAAcHU/59TcyGXTJxo/s1600/cj210813p30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gntjYimUQig/Uhm0NKPsDNI/AAAAAAAAcHU/59TcyGXTJxo/s400/cj210813p30.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We also took time to look at what lies underneath the House Number 1 jetty on a super low spring tide. This is a first time for me and I was glad to see colourful encrustations and branching sponges! There were many <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/goniodiscaster.htm">Biscuit stars</a> (<i>Goniodiscaster scaber</i>) and sea fans as well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3f2fLjjCsaA/Uhm0NIZbjXI/AAAAAAAAcHQ/bPF0QXp4QDQ/s1600/cj210813p31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3f2fLjjCsaA/Uhm0NIZbjXI/AAAAAAAAcHQ/bPF0QXp4QDQ/s400/cj210813p31.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A special find underneath the jetty would be this pretty <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/laingensis.htm">Purple-spotted yellow flatworm</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudoceros laingensis</span>).</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">The shores of Chek Jawa are still very much alive and sometimes all we need to do is to sacrifice our sleep to survey the shore at super low spring tides which normally take place at super unearthly hours. This trip started near 4am! </span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">Thank you Nparks for giving us the permission to visit the shore. Chek Jawa Wetlands is out of bounds to visitors going down but we can still visit this precious location through the boardwalks. </span>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-23820567350499250872013-07-27T14:51:00.000+08:002013-07-27T14:51:35.168+08:00Chek Jawa coral rubble survey after 4 yearsIt has been a long 4 years since I have <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.sg/2009/08/how.html" target="_blank">last surveyed the coral rubble of Chek Jawa</a>. Thanks to NParks for permission and support for us to carry out low spring tide surveys of Chek Jawa, we were able to document the shore on this 1 am trip last Sunday morning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1vDXdUuDg4/UfNd1ved5AI/AAAAAAAAbmA/cbd5EZrJr64/s1600/cj210713p01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1vDXdUuDg4/UfNd1ved5AI/AAAAAAAAbmA/cbd5EZrJr64/s400/cj210713p01.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
The coral rubble area is the most delicate and also richest part of the intertidal shores of Chek Jawa. The most prominent landmark on the coral rubble would be the Chek Jawa front beacon that directs ships plying the Johor Straits between Ubin and mainland Singapore.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LSFS3KjBjM/UfNd1zsNH5I/AAAAAAAAbmE/hcGSh1zuMWo/s1600/cj210713p02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LSFS3KjBjM/UfNd1zsNH5I/AAAAAAAAbmE/hcGSh1zuMWo/s400/cj210713p02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I found the large <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/neppink.htm">Pink flowery soft coral</a> (Family Nephtheidae) below the beacon and couldn't really find the other usual other reefy organisms such as the <span class="fullpost">Boulder <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/poritidae/porboulder.htm">Pore corals</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Porites </span>sp.)</span> that can be found on the coral rubble. There is also a sea fan below the beacon but it looks half dead. I am guessing that it is because the water was not low enough for us to look at the area properly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlYZ6uqapE4/UfNd2NW3OWI/AAAAAAAAbmU/RB8F4MyX5co/s1600/cj210713p03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlYZ6uqapE4/UfNd2NW3OWI/AAAAAAAAbmU/RB8F4MyX5co/s400/cj210713p03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Thankfully, there are still many small patches of sponges on the higher shores of the coral rubble. They come in all sorts of forms and colours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sseW41NajcQ/UfNd2ZvE2_I/AAAAAAAAbmQ/J8dlPKRmX0I/s1600/cj210713p04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sseW41NajcQ/UfNd2ZvE2_I/AAAAAAAAbmQ/J8dlPKRmX0I/s400/cj210713p04.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Surprisingly on the high shores, there is a large patch of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/porifera/bluejorunna.htm">Blue jorunna sponge</a> (<i>Neopetrosia</i> sp.) and I took this photo with Ivan in it so that you can tell its size. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cR9OqDWpYjo/UfNd2n2Y51I/AAAAAAAAbmc/mNH1WUbzg2g/s1600/cj210713p05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cR9OqDWpYjo/UfNd2n2Y51I/AAAAAAAAbmc/mNH1WUbzg2g/s400/cj210713p05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
With sponges, there are many more slugs and nudibranch that would also naturally be found in the vicinity. We found many types of sea slugs including a couple of the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/lineolata.htm">Lined chromodoris nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Chromodoris lineolata</span>).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQNdAS1Ixz8/UfNd3FwR3dI/AAAAAAAAbnM/QXbk-vcg7Ag/s1600/cj210713p06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQNdAS1Ixz8/UfNd3FwR3dI/AAAAAAAAbnM/QXbk-vcg7Ag/s400/cj210713p06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Chay Hoon found the pretty <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/hypselodoris.htm" style="font-style: italic;">Hypselodoris kanga</a> nudibranch and this is my second time seeing it! One of the identifying features of this slug is that it has yellow dots on its flowery gills.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0js71ol-Sw0/UfNd3Hnx6TI/AAAAAAAAbmo/-Sd6uGLe4VU/s1600/cj210713p07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0js71ol-Sw0/UfNd3Hnx6TI/AAAAAAAAbmo/-Sd6uGLe4VU/s400/cj210713p07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This is a tiny yellowish-orange slug that only Chay Hoon can find! It has specks of white dots on its body and is probably a <i>Doriopsilla</i> sp.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCH6uwH_1Mg/UfNd3jjW6PI/AAAAAAAAbms/Bew-36K457E/s1600/cj210713p08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCH6uwH_1Mg/UfNd3jjW6PI/AAAAAAAAbms/Bew-36K457E/s400/cj210713p08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This unassuming <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/intecta.htm">Black prickly nudibranch</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Atagema intecta</span>)</span> that looks like a lump of black stuff can be quite well camouflaged as they are usually found among rocks and rubble. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut6wNWXvXUc/UfNd4UNadJI/AAAAAAAAbm4/NIRsIUt5lgc/s1600/cj210713p09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut6wNWXvXUc/UfNd4UNadJI/AAAAAAAAbm4/NIRsIUt5lgc/s400/cj210713p09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I do not spot tiny slugs very well unless I happen to squat down and start looking around. That was how this <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/sacoglossa/stiliger.htm" target="_blank">Emerald Stiliger slug</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Stiliger smaragdinus</span>) was found. This slug is usually found among the </span>Caulerpa seaweed.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlN9YCa4Uyg/UfNd4gTIjEI/AAAAAAAAbm8/JnauF73hvnY/s1600/cj210713p10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlN9YCa4Uyg/UfNd4gTIjEI/AAAAAAAAbm8/JnauF73hvnY/s400/cj210713p10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Other than the slugs, there were also many flatworms found on the coral rubble! It ranges from the <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/bifurcus.htm">Red-tipped flatworm</a> (<i>Pseudoceros bifurcus</i>),</span> <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/indicus.htm">Blue-spotted flatworm</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudoceros indicus</span>) and also the </span></span><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/laingensis.htm">Purple-spotted yellow flatworm</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudoceros laingensis</span>).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SlmRdKbX4ig/UfNd5Lq1y7I/AAAAAAAAbnI/eS6xKAhlaCs/s1600/cj210713p11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SlmRdKbX4ig/UfNd5Lq1y7I/AAAAAAAAbnI/eS6xKAhlaCs/s400/cj210713p11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Ivan found this <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/gratus.htm">Brown striped flatworm</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pseudobiceros gratus</span>) that we don't often see on northern shores. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq78twYGucc/UfNeCXxy5QI/AAAAAAAAbpE/RIVWLnaKyCI/s1600/cj210713p12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq78twYGucc/UfNeCXxy5QI/AAAAAAAAbpE/RIVWLnaKyCI/s400/cj210713p12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Though the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/fineline.htm">Fine-lined flatworms</a> are not commonly found on our northern reefs, it seems that this flatworm is in season as we saw quite a number of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27KQhgqXdDI/UfNd6PyZfxI/AAAAAAAAbnY/riPlbjwg1zo/s1600/cj210713p13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27KQhgqXdDI/UfNd6PyZfxI/AAAAAAAAbnY/riPlbjwg1zo/s400/cj210713p13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
On the pillar of the boardwalk during the outgoing tide, I was intrigued by this fish. After a close look, it does resemble the blenny that <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.sg/2009/08/living-walls-of-east-coast.html" target="_blank">we saw at one of the sea walls of East Coast in the past</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nje0LBAHpBM/UfNd60p4CuI/AAAAAAAAbng/lGfu33AbW9M/s1600/cj210713p14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nje0LBAHpBM/UfNd60p4CuI/AAAAAAAAbng/lGfu33AbW9M/s400/cj210713p14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As the tide went out, we stumbled upon this <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/cephalopoda/loliginidae.htm">Pencil squid</a> (Family Loliginidae) that is usually found at night such as this predawn trip. It was quite huge!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvVJ8L3aBdI/UfNd7DyammI/AAAAAAAAbno/1E79fjE_Z8M/s1600/cj210713p15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvVJ8L3aBdI/UfNd7DyammI/AAAAAAAAbno/1E79fjE_Z8M/s400/cj210713p15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
On the rocky shore, there are speckles of colours from sponges, fan worms and crabs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy_w851L7Bk/UfNd8Vv0icI/AAAAAAAAbn0/_V7ZoGuKdrI/s1600/cj210713p16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy_w851L7Bk/UfNd8Vv0icI/AAAAAAAAbn0/_V7ZoGuKdrI/s400/cj210713p16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Something cute found on the tube of the fan worm would be this tiny crab that Pei Yan spotted. Can you see it in this photo?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fME1nRZXqIM/UfNd8RStOFI/AAAAAAAAbnw/fLlc75pRmIU/s1600/cj210713p17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fME1nRZXqIM/UfNd8RStOFI/AAAAAAAAbnw/fLlc75pRmIU/s400/cj210713p17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The patch of seagrass near the coral rubble and House Number 1 has lots and lots of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/haddoni.htm">Haddon's carpet anemones</a> (<i>Stichodactyla haddoni</i>)! Good to see that they are thriving well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qm1eTHObi5Y/UfNd9RxjsZI/AAAAAAAAboA/Ikv0hFgHQUY/s1600/cj210713p18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qm1eTHObi5Y/UfNd9RxjsZI/AAAAAAAAboA/Ikv0hFgHQUY/s400/cj210713p18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's another photo of the huge anemones and I missed the tiny kite butterflyfish (not obvious in this photo) on the bright green anemone until I processed this photo at home. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjGSdDUi3NU/UfNd-JWVEAI/AAAAAAAAboI/k3QQT_SJzNo/s1600/cj210713p19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjGSdDUi3NU/UfNd-JWVEAI/AAAAAAAAboI/k3QQT_SJzNo/s400/cj210713p19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
On the seagrass, there was an explosion of many baby <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/boloceroididae.htm">Swimming anemones</a> (<i>Boloceroides mcmurrichi</i>)! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW5pefqSNos/UfNd-YYHWiI/AAAAAAAAboQ/zinbzRrghRI/s1600/cj210713p20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW5pefqSNos/UfNd-YYHWiI/AAAAAAAAboQ/zinbzRrghRI/s400/cj210713p20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There were so much of these baby sea anemones that they were even found on the surface of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/plants/seaweed/chlorophyta/halimeda.htm">Coin seaweeds</a> (<i>Halimeda</i> sp.).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6KWZoBgcEg/UfNd_HrkEWI/AAAAAAAAboY/C7Xzhueo0VE/s1600/cj210713p21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6KWZoBgcEg/UfNd_HrkEWI/AAAAAAAAboY/C7Xzhueo0VE/s400/cj210713p21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I saw two of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/dasyatidae/lymma.htm">Blue-spotted fantail rays</a> (<i>Taeniura lymma</i>) that are commonly found on our southern reefs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bf0o10ujJyk/UfNd_pIRxiI/AAAAAAAAbog/Sq2hbWiCnJo/s1600/cj210713p22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bf0o10ujJyk/UfNd_pIRxiI/AAAAAAAAbog/Sq2hbWiCnJo/s400/cj210713p22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Now over to my most favourite group and that would be the sea stars of Chek Jawa. The coral rubble was still very starry and I managed to find a juvenile <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/protoreaster.htm">Knobbly sea star</a> (<i>Protoreaster nodosus</i>) among the seagrass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DfApP7ONXI/UfNeA5MCvoI/AAAAAAAAbos/2vmH8nbTHbk/s1600/cj210713p23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DfApP7ONXI/UfNeA5MCvoI/AAAAAAAAbos/2vmH8nbTHbk/s400/cj210713p23.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Later on, I also found the six-armed version of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/luimaculata.htm" target="_blank">Eight-armed sand star</a> (<i>Luidia maculata</i>). The rest of the team also saw another one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MunvmfPKlmA/UfNeA4MhgaI/AAAAAAAAboo/BwslgUi0_b0/s1600/cj210713p24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MunvmfPKlmA/UfNeA4MhgaI/AAAAAAAAboo/BwslgUi0_b0/s400/cj210713p24.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There were quite a number of the other types of sea stars such as the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/goniodiscaster.htm">Biscuit stars</a> (<i>Goniodiscaster scaber</i>) and <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/anthenea.htm">Cake sea stars</a> (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>) that we decided to put some together for this family shot haha!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceUPXBzM2ds/UfNeBx89pSI/AAAAAAAAbo4/csFrazPvZFo/s1600/cj210713p25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceUPXBzM2ds/UfNeBx89pSI/AAAAAAAAbo4/csFrazPvZFo/s400/cj210713p25.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
It's been a while since I have last seen this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/nepred.htm">Scaly sea star</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Nepanthia belcheri</span>). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVWmS1Ca9FE/UfNeCbkZYlI/AAAAAAAAbpA/R8ajEmyGZ5g/s1600/cj210713p26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVWmS1Ca9FE/UfNeCbkZYlI/AAAAAAAAbpA/R8ajEmyGZ5g/s400/cj210713p26.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The underside of this sea star is prettier in red and pink!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVFySLpU3dk/UfNeOP4Ju1I/AAAAAAAAbps/NZ6zKlwK868/s1600/cj210713p27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVFySLpU3dk/UfNeOP4Ju1I/AAAAAAAAbps/NZ6zKlwK868/s400/cj210713p27.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As for the cake sea stars, Ivan found this large individual with a lovely pattern of brown dark green and light green. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HsCjG1uacOQ/UfNeHZCp1EI/AAAAAAAAbpQ/-J0X_e32tPo/s1600/cj210713p28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HsCjG1uacOQ/UfNeHZCp1EI/AAAAAAAAbpQ/-J0X_e32tPo/s400/cj210713p28.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's another sea star of the same species but in pink! I simply love the cake sea stars for their different patterns and colours. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2zQt6vsvU4/UfNeT4RKOYI/AAAAAAAAbqI/HZ3NFcTGwAM/s1600/cj210713p29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2zQt6vsvU4/UfNeT4RKOYI/AAAAAAAAbqI/HZ3NFcTGwAM/s400/cj210713p29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
On top of the many sea stars shown earlier, the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/gymnanthenea.htm">Spiny sea star</a> (<i>Gymnanthenea laevis</i>) was with orange tips on its arms was also sighted. Good to see a healthy representation of the sea stars on the coral rubble. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6boiwKavp7s/UfNeKRnwSlI/AAAAAAAAbpY/B4FF04Cb39w/s1600/cj210713p30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6boiwKavp7s/UfNeKRnwSlI/AAAAAAAAbpY/B4FF04Cb39w/s400/cj210713p30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As the tide returns, we went to the seagrass lagoon and sand bar to have a quick look and the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/sandplain.htm">Sand stars</a> (<i>Astropecten</i> sp.) were out in full force.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTMRTJv68FU/UfNeMHLLsEI/AAAAAAAAbpg/jgODsprn9ww/s1600/cj210713p31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTMRTJv68FU/UfNeMHLLsEI/AAAAAAAAbpg/jgODsprn9ww/s400/cj210713p31.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There were stretches where many <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/haddoni.htm">Haddon's carpet anemones</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Stichodactyla haddoni</span>) are found on the sand bar. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2FETvkA3gI/UfNeOG-n4YI/AAAAAAAAbpo/rY4IombKbDU/s1600/cj210713p32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2FETvkA3gI/UfNeOG-n4YI/AAAAAAAAbpo/rY4IombKbDU/s400/cj210713p32.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
AND also the seagrass meadow! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Fj24HR8Qk/UfNePidRRhI/AAAAAAAAbp8/a70-BcHjFss/s1600/cj210713p33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Fj24HR8Qk/UfNePidRRhI/AAAAAAAAbp8/a70-BcHjFss/s400/cj210713p33.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There are also many <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm">Cerianthids</a> (Order Ceriantharia) that look like flowers of the shore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBUE9LF9NCA/UfNePYotM-I/AAAAAAAAbp4/WbSMQxmRPmw/s1600/cj210713p34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBUE9LF9NCA/UfNePYotM-I/AAAAAAAAbp4/WbSMQxmRPmw/s400/cj210713p34.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/scabra.htm">Garlic bread sea cucumbers</a> (<i>Holothuria scabra</i>) are active at night and I saw far lot more of these cucumbers on Chek Jawa than on Changi. This is probably because that this shore is far more inaccessible and that no one is supposed to go down to the shores as access is restricted. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42D2n5w6g5A/UfNsVIKVwjI/AAAAAAAAbqY/l7cbdgn7bZs/s1600/cj210713p35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42D2n5w6g5A/UfNsVIKVwjI/AAAAAAAAbqY/l7cbdgn7bZs/s400/cj210713p35.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, there are still threats on Chek Jawa such as illegal fishing, poaching and laying of drift nets. We found a drift net that stretches almost half of the length of Chek Jawa and it entangles and traps many marine life alive.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-44277396232880407932013-02-09T17:31:00.004+08:002013-02-09T17:36:23.231+08:00 6 years after the mass mortality event <div style="text-align: left;">
It has been almost 6 years since the fateful <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com.sg/wildfilms/blog/2007/01/death-note-from-chek-jawa.html">mass mortality event that occured in Chek Jawa</a>. My first visit to this special shore was exactly on the date that we witnessed the mass death.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Despite not having to see how the shore was like in the past, many stories, accounts and photos did the job for me to compare the shore before and after the heavy rains in December 2006 and January 2007.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kalZ0C4Ido0/URYPlLe3lWI/AAAAAAAAaeE/NAvMiqp2lfg/s1600/cj280113p01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kalZ0C4Ido0/URYPlLe3lWI/AAAAAAAAaeE/NAvMiqp2lfg/s400/cj280113p01.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Going down to the shore with Teamseagrass has allowed me to check out how the shore is doing, especially after the monsoon season. I am glad to see that many of the <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/05/more-chek-jawa-recces.html">Carpet anemones</a> (<i>Stichodactyla haddoni</i>) in the northern shore are still doing well! No signs of bleaching or uprooting.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1S1rO0-sgg/URYPlEBJtbI/AAAAAAAAaeI/Q3QPiBIPm-E/s1600/cj280113p02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1S1rO0-sgg/URYPlEBJtbI/AAAAAAAAaeI/Q3QPiBIPm-E/s400/cj280113p02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's a view of the southern shore with the huge carpet anemones among the seagrass lagoon. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXMIzeqtRuE/URYPlUezJ4I/AAAAAAAAaeM/nzK6xHqiJEs/s1600/cj280113p03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXMIzeqtRuE/URYPlUezJ4I/AAAAAAAAaeM/nzK6xHqiJEs/s400/cj280113p03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Many of the carpet anemones also are found on sandy substrates such as those in the photo collage above. There seems to be more carpet anemones than my previous trip one year ago!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIIA059wFBc/URYPl4Pn_8I/AAAAAAAAaeU/3X555AinhWk/s1600/cj280113p04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIIA059wFBc/URYPl4Pn_8I/AAAAAAAAaeU/3X555AinhWk/s400/cj280113p04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's a different perspective of the carpet anemones with their photos taken using an underwater camera. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7TY9GoLwuc/URYPmG_NL6I/AAAAAAAAaeY/hfeabFMs2ok/s1600/cj280113p05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7TY9GoLwuc/URYPmG_NL6I/AAAAAAAAaeY/hfeabFMs2ok/s400/cj280113p05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Interestingly, I witnessed how an unfortunate crab which happened to swim across a carpet anemone got stung and slowly was brought towards the centre of the oral disk where the mouth and stomach is located. It really worked like a conveyor belt.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HL53-HcbyN4/URYPmLrgK4I/AAAAAAAAaec/1rRkOTiu1e8/s1600/cj280113p06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HL53-HcbyN4/URYPmLrgK4I/AAAAAAAAaec/1rRkOTiu1e8/s400/cj280113p06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is heartening to still see dugong feeding trails on Chek Jawa. In fact, we have also seen them on various shores of Changi. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_GHDHdjC18/URYPmvH8_xI/AAAAAAAAaek/KmkO75CpOXo/s1600/cj280113p07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_GHDHdjC18/URYPmvH8_xI/AAAAAAAAaek/KmkO75CpOXo/s400/cj280113p07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During low tide, shore birds such as these terns rest and feed on the large expanse of shore exposed. At the background is Pulau Tekong.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UtOtg_Csxs/URYPm6PD-cI/AAAAAAAAaeo/fJLMvRusYI4/s1600/cj280113p08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UtOtg_Csxs/URYPm6PD-cI/AAAAAAAAaeo/fJLMvRusYI4/s400/cj280113p08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Among the many critters that the birds feed on would be these circular stuffs... What are they?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjaT8d0mSks/URYPnOYfr6I/AAAAAAAAaew/7HIcrjEEfTo/s1600/cj280113p09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjaT8d0mSks/URYPnOYfr6I/AAAAAAAAaew/7HIcrjEEfTo/s400/cj280113p09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These are actually <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/echinoidea/sandollar/arachnoides.htm">Cake sand dollars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Arachnoides placenta</span>) found buried slightly underneath the sand. The cake sand dollars are still found in abundant numbers on the shore... this is a good sign that the recent rain did not affect the marine life significantly.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C89OB9CasHo/URYPnVK0U5I/AAAAAAAAae0/gFMuUcHIXMM/s1600/cj280113p10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C89OB9CasHo/URYPnVK0U5I/AAAAAAAAae0/gFMuUcHIXMM/s400/cj280113p10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On one of the sand dollars, I managed to find a parasitic snail preying on the echinoderm.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ2PL4_VhjQ/URYPnm6OlTI/AAAAAAAAae4/9W7yKQm2kQ4/s1600/cj280113p11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ2PL4_VhjQ/URYPnm6OlTI/AAAAAAAAae4/9W7yKQm2kQ4/s400/cj280113p11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How about other soft-bodied invertebrates that would respond poorly to very low salinity, such as the sea cucumbers? Apparently, many of the sea cucumbers such as this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/scabra.htm">Garlic bread sea cucumber</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Holothuria scabra</span>) look fine.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWd6m_GdRnY/URYPn7dIN0I/AAAAAAAAafE/Ex64fGHO7Nk/s1600/cj280113p12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWd6m_GdRnY/URYPn7dIN0I/AAAAAAAAafE/Ex64fGHO7Nk/s400/cj280113p12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is an assortment of the different types of sea cucumbers encountered on the trip.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fddrGk01Pkk/URYPoPE6ZRI/AAAAAAAAafI/gFsks-LrN4I/s1600/cj280113p13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fddrGk01Pkk/URYPoPE6ZRI/AAAAAAAAafI/gFsks-LrN4I/s400/cj280113p13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What is slightly worrying would be that this trip was the first time I saw so many <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/cercodemas.htm">Warty pink sea cucumbers</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Cercodemas anceps</span>) on Chek Jawa and that some of them seem to be decomposing. This could be a response to the recent rains in which salinity was lowered to a certain limit that these sea cucumbers start to deteriorate. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="fullpost"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="fullpost">Nevertheless, the other marine organisms were alright. So it was not alarming for us. <br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SoBdQ3Gjhg/URYPob1qgTI/AAAAAAAAafM/fDDWK1mU_V0/s1600/cj280113p14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SoBdQ3Gjhg/URYPob1qgTI/AAAAAAAAafM/fDDWK1mU_V0/s400/cj280113p14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Due to the scorching sun, I did not find any of the usual sea stars except for this uncommon <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/luidia.htm">Luidia sand star</a> (probably <span style="font-style: italic;">Luidia hardwicki</span>).</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYoEHbKkI_Q/URYPo8ZXeTI/AAAAAAAAafU/WMqxxE_D-PI/s1600/cj280113p15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYoEHbKkI_Q/URYPo8ZXeTI/AAAAAAAAafU/WMqxxE_D-PI/s400/cj280113p15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I couldn't find the huge numbers of <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/trochidae/umbonium.htm">Button snails</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Umbonium vestiarum</span>) that can be found on the sandy shores of Chek Jawa. Nevertheless, I managed to stumble on one live individual. Hopefully more can be found elsewhere. </span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSBUl_CCWpA/URYPo_blQsI/AAAAAAAAafY/Shu4fmYDYJY/s1600/cj280113p16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSBUl_CCWpA/URYPo_blQsI/AAAAAAAAafY/Shu4fmYDYJY/s400/cj280113p16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With Chay Hoon's microscopic eyes, she found this tiny <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/gymnodorisblack.htm" target="_blank">Tiny black gymnodoris nudibranch</a> (<i>Gymnodoris</i> sp.)! This is probably my first sighting of this nudi on Chek Jawa.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IwHbahdXYM/URYPpBgJFZI/AAAAAAAAafg/rm54X2so0X0/s1600/cj280113p17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IwHbahdXYM/URYPpBgJFZI/AAAAAAAAafg/rm54X2so0X0/s400/cj280113p17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A washed up <span class="fullpost"> <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/nepball.htm">Ball flowery soft coral</a> was found just right beside one of the boardwalk pillars.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="fullpost"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nees7MCQ-k/URYPph1vUhI/AAAAAAAAafk/fUZcx31tw5U/s1600/cj280113p18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nees7MCQ-k/URYPph1vUhI/AAAAAAAAafk/fUZcx31tw5U/s400/cj280113p18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And in it, there's a little colourful brittlestar!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_1q0NdDQk0/URYPp10v5kI/AAAAAAAAafo/Dlv1BaL8fwY/s1600/cj280113p19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_1q0NdDQk0/URYPp10v5kI/AAAAAAAAafo/Dlv1BaL8fwY/s400/cj280113p19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The boardwalk legs are well encrusted with many types of living organisms such as sponges and ascidians.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rLrUEb1I9Y/URYPqEpzNgI/AAAAAAAAafw/SkAEgRhIE0g/s1600/cj280113p20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rLrUEb1I9Y/URYPqEpzNgI/AAAAAAAAafw/SkAEgRhIE0g/s400/cj280113p20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A quick look at the rocky shore revealed the usual assemblage of rocky marine life such as this <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/indicus.htm">Blue-spotted flatworm</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">cf Pseudoceros indicus</span>).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNfEZ25YeX0/URYPqfFevsI/AAAAAAAAagA/cF4bBpHYh7U/s1600/cj280113p21.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNfEZ25YeX0/URYPqfFevsI/AAAAAAAAagA/cF4bBpHYh7U/s400/cj280113p21.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ending off the quick look of Chek Jawa, I took my underwater camera for a dip again to look at the lush seagrasses of the shore.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6zKNnqVF48/URYPqoz6qKI/AAAAAAAAaf4/l4VSsTfkw-Q/s1600/cj280113p22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6zKNnqVF48/URYPqoz6qKI/AAAAAAAAaf4/l4VSsTfkw-Q/s400/cj280113p22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The seagrass habitat is a great haven for carpet anemones....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5BY8Qnt_FU/URYPqyE5__I/AAAAAAAAaf8/Cj2cBXd1PVA/s1600/cj280113p23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5BY8Qnt_FU/URYPqyE5__I/AAAAAAAAaf8/Cj2cBXd1PVA/s400/cj280113p23.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and also <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm">Cerianthids</a> (Order Ceriantharia).</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNfEZ25YeX0/URYPqfFevsI/AAAAAAAAagA/cF4bBpHYh7U/s1600/cj280113p21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fXrzYyo9P8/URYPrTajccI/AAAAAAAAagE/vZsQKRyaTQU/s1600/cj280113p24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fXrzYyo9P8/URYPrTajccI/AAAAAAAAagE/vZsQKRyaTQU/s400/cj280113p24.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Animals wise, I also found a <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/volutidae/nobilis.htm" style="color: blue;">Noble volute</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Cymbiola nobilis</span>)...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MI4JrGaPCxM/URYPrtNFt8I/AAAAAAAAagY/apZSU9ajNXI/s1600/cj280113p25.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MI4JrGaPCxM/URYPrtNFt8I/AAAAAAAAagY/apZSU9ajNXI/s400/cj280113p25.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and even a huge <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/bivalvia/solenidae/solenidae.htm">Razor clam</a> (Family Solenidae).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbyzaFklcU/URYPsNfnJyI/AAAAAAAAagU/waAUrgRudHU/s1600/cj280113p26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbyzaFklcU/URYPsNfnJyI/AAAAAAAAagU/waAUrgRudHU/s400/cj280113p26.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The seagrasses in the lagoon are doing very well despite the shifting sands of the ever dynamic sandbar. Here's a photo with our intrepid Teamseagrass volunteers in action.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
According to the latest <a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.sg/2013/01/what-shores-will-singapore-lose-in-7.html">7 million population Land Use Plan</a>, Chek Jawa may not exist for long and we may once again face the threats of losing it forever.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From Ria's blog post, the plans in the north include a road link from the mainland jumping off at Punggol, crossing to Pulau Ubin through Chek Jawa to jump off to Pulau Tekong before circling back to the mainland on Changi East. Proposed reclamation (in yellow) will bury Pasir Ris shores, Pulau Sekudu and Chek Jawa as well as a large amount of shore at Changi Beach. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>What can one person do about this?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="fullpost">We can't take our shores for granted! </span><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/vol/index.html">You can make a difference!</a> Simply <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/vol/explore.htm">explore</a>, <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/vol/express.htm">express</a> and <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/vol/act.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ACT!</span></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Visit our shores before they are gone. Join nature activities at our wild places, like those listed on <a href="http://wildsingaporehappenings.blogspot.sg/">wildsingapore happenings</a>. Share what you've seen. Volunteer for them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
----------</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More photos of the trip here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/koksheng/archives/date-taken/2013/01/27/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/koksheng/archives/date-taken/2013/01/27/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-9103087148767339422012-03-21T18:56:00.000+08:002012-03-21T18:56:42.419+08:00Chek Jawa with Dr Dan<div style="text-align: left;">After about one year of absence from the intertidal shores of Chek Jawa, I had the honour to be back here again this time with Dr Dan and his students! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PBCyypKPhk/T2mtjbcFXnI/AAAAAAAAXXs/RuRMMZz8z_0/s1600/cj150312p01.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PBCyypKPhk/T2mtjbcFXnI/AAAAAAAAXXs/RuRMMZz8z_0/s400/cj150312p01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every year, Dr Dan leads a group of students from the Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment on an Urban Tropical Ecology in Singapore trip and will never fail to share Chek Jawa to his students. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KuTtObS231Q/T2mtiQseMCI/AAAAAAAAXW4/nUtxyxPMZNw/s1600/cj150312p02.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KuTtObS231Q/T2mtiQseMCI/AAAAAAAAXW4/nUtxyxPMZNw/s400/cj150312p02.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since Dr Dan and I have not been down to the shores for a year, we could very quickly figure how much the shore has changed! Other than the ever-shifting sand bar, we noticed something delightful... the <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/05/more-chek-jawa-recces.html">Carpet anemones</a> (<em>Stichodactyla haddoni</em>) seem to be coming back slowly but surely. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jeDucjUudA/T2mtirLDCRI/AAAAAAAAXXE/Oo6X4nFl_KA/s1600/cj150312p03.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jeDucjUudA/T2mtirLDCRI/AAAAAAAAXXE/Oo6X4nFl_KA/s400/cj150312p03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is an assortment of the different carpet anemones with different colours. They used to be so common and abundant before the <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/10/what-caused-mass-death.html">mass death in 2007</a> such that they look like landmines on the sandbar. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug4gDFMzuis/T2mtiyEVKwI/AAAAAAAAXXQ/V4aNrxyoW1Q/s1600/cj150312p04.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug4gDFMzuis/T2mtiyEVKwI/AAAAAAAAXXQ/V4aNrxyoW1Q/s400/cj150312p04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of these carpet anemones have settled well among the lush seagrasses of Chek Jawa.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsEPgiV65vg/T2mtjCYGR0I/AAAAAAAAXXc/ZKd9p66ITyc/s1600/cj150312p05.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsEPgiV65vg/T2mtjCYGR0I/AAAAAAAAXXc/ZKd9p66ITyc/s400/cj150312p05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We saw many juvenile carpet anemones on the sand bar and this is a good sign!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbhoiKtLcPw/T2mtbvvD83I/AAAAAAAAXWs/bMuoP4IiXew/s1600/cj150312p06.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbhoiKtLcPw/T2mtbvvD83I/AAAAAAAAXWs/bMuoP4IiXew/s400/cj150312p06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">One <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/archaster.htm">Common sea star</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Archaster typicus</span>) was found during the trip. I did not really have the opportunity to look for the colony of them on the sand bar as the tide was not very low.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_XHJM5ZKKk/T2mtatuSFvI/AAAAAAAAXV8/gUK1WA7zQNQ/s1600/cj150312p07.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_XHJM5ZKKk/T2mtatuSFvI/AAAAAAAAXV8/gUK1WA7zQNQ/s400/cj150312p07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Buried or semi-buried on the sand bar are sea cucumbers and sea stars such as this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/smooth.htm">Smooth sea cucumber</a> and the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/sandplain.htm">Plain Sand star</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Astropecten indicus</span>).</span></span></span></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KhzEUGsvPQ/T2mta7Z6H2I/AAAAAAAAXWE/_6Dpg9fjoVY/s1600/cj150312p08.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KhzEUGsvPQ/T2mta7Z6H2I/AAAAAAAAXWE/_6Dpg9fjoVY/s400/cj150312p08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stumbled across this dead plain sea star with lots of snails feasting on it. This of course is not a result of any physical stress such as drop of salinity but a natural occurence of feeding / scavenging on dead animals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3viJfbuKmM/T2mtbByT3XI/AAAAAAAAXWQ/qGpFtzx1skE/s1600/cj150312p09.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3viJfbuKmM/T2mtbByT3XI/AAAAAAAAXWQ/qGpFtzx1skE/s400/cj150312p09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I got the sense from this trip that the number of <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/echinoidea/sandollar/arachnoides.htm">Cake sand dollars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Arachnoides placenta</span>) on the sand bar has dropped. It could be because that the tide was not that low. We noticed many pecked sand dollars with the star-shaped jaw exposed. These sand dollars were recently predated on by shorebirds.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXpglCT-fJQ/T2mtbTp2OrI/AAAAAAAAXWg/cNPDhhPtx6Q/s1600/cj150312p10.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXpglCT-fJQ/T2mtbTp2OrI/AAAAAAAAXWg/cNPDhhPtx6Q/s400/cj150312p10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We tried to look for the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/trochidae/umbonium.htm">Button snails</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Umbonium vestiarum</span>)</span></span> and after a while, Ria shared with everyone that she has found live ones on the sand bar! The density of these snails are not high but these snails seem to be bigger than usual. We also found one <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/naticidae/lineata.htm">Lined moon snail</a> (<i>Natica lineata</i>) which is actually a predator of the button snails.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4fgiEmxC4w/T2mtPBwzssI/AAAAAAAAXVw/G1rwWaMn6Gs/s1600/cj150312p11.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4fgiEmxC4w/T2mtPBwzssI/AAAAAAAAXVw/G1rwWaMn6Gs/s400/cj150312p11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dr Dan found a rare snail! This is the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/naticidae/sinum.htm">Naked moon snail</a> (<i>Sinum</i> sp.) which I think has not been sighted at Chek Jawa before.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FR2SgVfg8l4/T2mtOWmjYQI/AAAAAAAAXVA/sslLideVgvw/s1600/cj150312p12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FR2SgVfg8l4/T2mtOWmjYQI/AAAAAAAAXVA/sslLideVgvw/s400/cj150312p12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The mantle of this snail is such that it cannot fully retract back into its flat thin shell. It sure can stretch itself and elongate quite a fair bit!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPuiMm4mt74/T2mtOmRe15I/AAAAAAAAXVM/E6NQRUWG8rM/s1600/cj150312p13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPuiMm4mt74/T2mtOmRe15I/AAAAAAAAXVM/E6NQRUWG8rM/s400/cj150312p13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The empty shell of a <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/tonnidae/tonnidae.htm">Tun snail</a> (Family Tonnidae) was spotted! Are living ones lurking somewhere out there? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZaszbidwXs/T2mtO-NTpqI/AAAAAAAAXVU/jLk0fgaIOJ0/s1600/cj150312p14.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZaszbidwXs/T2mtO-NTpqI/AAAAAAAAXVU/jLk0fgaIOJ0/s400/cj150312p14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cindy found this large shell of a <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/cassidae/glaucum.htm">Bonnet snail</a> (<i>Phalium glaucum</i>) that is occupied by a hermit crab. The living version of this snail is actually rare and not commonly sighted. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m99ypIz7YJ0/T2mtO6tkzcI/AAAAAAAAXVg/Xk_kBxDrTZo/s1600/cj150312p15.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m99ypIz7YJ0/T2mtO6tkzcI/AAAAAAAAXVg/Xk_kBxDrTZo/s400/cj150312p15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is an interesting view of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm">cerianthid</a> which is also known as peacock anemone. The cerianthid actually lives within a tube which is visible in this photo from top down position.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hk0_ICwbygk/T2mtDXY0U4I/AAAAAAAAXU0/UNAIRiajKXo/s1600/cj150312p16.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hk0_ICwbygk/T2mtDXY0U4I/AAAAAAAAXU0/UNAIRiajKXo/s400/cj150312p16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We came across this washed up <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/pennatulacea/pteroides.htm">Common sea pen</a> (<i>Pteroides</i> sp.) with a porcelain crab living within. It was found quite high up near the mangroves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUVplOHX8aM/T2mtCSZIWnI/AAAAAAAAXUQ/p5hvuD8Kqak/s1600/cj150312p17.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUVplOHX8aM/T2mtCSZIWnI/AAAAAAAAXUQ/p5hvuD8Kqak/s400/cj150312p17.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Surprise surprise! It was great to spot the dugong feeding trails again! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1v-nXhowvaY/T2mtCsQp8QI/AAAAAAAAXUY/ii2vSrcdowo/s1600/cj150312p18.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1v-nXhowvaY/T2mtCsQp8QI/AAAAAAAAXUY/ii2vSrcdowo/s400/cj150312p18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's Dr Dan with his students having a closer look at the trails. The trail seem to suggest that two dugongs were feeding on the seagrass together!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8LGsi-jn1fU/T2mtC9U_IeI/AAAAAAAAXUo/OaFVuPKNpc8/s1600/cj150312p19.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8LGsi-jn1fU/T2mtC9U_IeI/AAAAAAAAXUo/OaFVuPKNpc8/s400/cj150312p19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before we left, we had an aerial view of the shore from the tall Jejawi Tower. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was indeed wonderful to be back at Chek Jawa to see how it is recovering since the mass death. As for now, I do really hope to be back on a super low spring tide to check out the coral rubble. My previous check up on this fragile but rich habitat was in 2009. </div>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-19355362293067347242011-05-02T10:46:00.005+08:002011-05-02T11:51:34.739+08:00Checking Chek Jawa (April 2011)It has been a really long time since I last stepped on the shores of Chek Jawa! The previous time was during <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2010/01/3-years-after-mass-mortality-event.html">January in 2010</a> which was more than a year ago. How has Chek Jawa been? I had a quick look at the shore while the Teamseagrass volunteers were busy surveying seagrasses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF9V3-I6Q88/Tb4cP4ztiSI/AAAAAAAAUek/AMAB-SyLR2k/s1600/cjp260411p01.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF9V3-I6Q88/Tb4cP4ztiSI/AAAAAAAAUek/AMAB-SyLR2k/s400/cjp260411p01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601946045768370466" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/05/more-chek-jawa-recces.html">Carpet anemones</a> (<em>Stichodactyla haddoni</em>) are one of the first organisms that I had a look to see how they are doing on the shore. These anemones are still not as abundant at the southern sand bar when compared to the northern sand bar. This photo shows the anemones at the north of Chek Jawa.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWvlkxnNz_k/Tb4cPwDJJ3I/AAAAAAAAUec/g3WjpLDUN1s/s1600/cjp260411p02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWvlkxnNz_k/Tb4cPwDJJ3I/AAAAAAAAUec/g3WjpLDUN1s/s400/cjp260411p02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601946043417175922" border="0" /></a>Many of the juvenile carpet anemones that I have <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2009/05/chek-jawa-in-may-2009.html">seen back during my survey days</a> a couple of years ago have grown bigger along the northern sand bar. This is indeed heartening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnep_8a2XMw/Tb4cPk7vywI/AAAAAAAAUeU/RNoC4Q8VK3A/s1600/cjp260411p03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnep_8a2XMw/Tb4cPk7vywI/AAAAAAAAUeU/RNoC4Q8VK3A/s400/cjp260411p03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601946040433363714" border="0" /></a>Somehow these anemones are able to tolerate the presence of sand on their tentacle surfaces. With hope, it is possible that the northern sand bar will be home to even more of these anemones. This may probably help Chek Jawa return to its former glory where there are so many of these carpet anemones on the sand bar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1gwjpkqUh4/Tb4cPoCsCpI/AAAAAAAAUeM/Y72Yt2mb-g4/s1600/cjp260411p04.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1gwjpkqUh4/Tb4cPoCsCpI/AAAAAAAAUeM/Y72Yt2mb-g4/s400/cjp260411p04.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601946041267784338" border="0" /></a>Other than those found on the sand bar, there are also many carpet anemones living within the lush seagrass meadow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85Vzy0Hh-Pk/Tb4cQDBEulI/AAAAAAAAUes/u0SiDYhTwNs/s1600/cjp260411p05.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85Vzy0Hh-Pk/Tb4cQDBEulI/AAAAAAAAUes/u0SiDYhTwNs/s400/cjp260411p05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601946048508770898" border="0" /></a>Many of these carpet anemones among seagrasses and seaweeds look healthy based on their coloration. We are glad to know that these creatures survived some extreme weather conditions, especially in <a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2011/01/will-chek-jawa-survive-incessant-rain.html">January this year when there were heavy rainfall</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yts-n22MJ0w/Tb4cCrKYroI/AAAAAAAAUd8/p3qiLbAXUJw/s1600/cjp260411p06.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yts-n22MJ0w/Tb4cCrKYroI/AAAAAAAAUd8/p3qiLbAXUJw/s400/cjp260411p06.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945818767076994" border="0" /></a>I only saw a small number of <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm">Peacock anemones</a> (Order Ceriantharia)</span> during this trip. I think it is because of the really hot weather that day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWTQdfzRvpI/Tb4cCfypBqI/AAAAAAAAUd0/reXpOyTt2dk/s1600/cjp260411p07.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWTQdfzRvpI/Tb4cCfypBqI/AAAAAAAAUd0/reXpOyTt2dk/s400/cjp260411p07.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945815714694818" border="0" /></a>Not sure if it is because the tide was not so low or that the seagrass meadow has shifted, there wasn't much of the southern sand bar exposed further away from the boardwalk. As such, I did not encounter many <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/echinoidea/sandollar/arachnoides.htm">Cake sand dollars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Arachnoides placenta</span>) in the south than in the north. </span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6bFs6rbsss/Tb4cCQJ2VLI/AAAAAAAAUds/HlmftfYGeGA/s1600/cjp260411p08.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6bFs6rbsss/Tb4cCQJ2VLI/AAAAAAAAUds/HlmftfYGeGA/s400/cjp260411p08.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945811517068466" border="0" /></a>But as usual, at locations where these sand dollars are found, these echinoderms aggregate in large numbers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEWdumYfqOw/Tb4cCECStoI/AAAAAAAAUdk/bcrxsnGbSLc/s1600/cjp260411p09.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEWdumYfqOw/Tb4cCECStoI/AAAAAAAAUdk/bcrxsnGbSLc/s400/cjp260411p09.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945808264148610" border="0" /></a>Also due to the hot weather, I could only find a few of these <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/sandplain.htm">Plain Sand stars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Astropecten indicus</span>)</span></span></span></span> which can be found in great numbers especially below dawn or after dusk.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxcf_iHIuOk/Tb4cC80M1xI/AAAAAAAAUeE/sEo0HoypafI/s1600/cjp260411p10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxcf_iHIuOk/Tb4cC80M1xI/AAAAAAAAUeE/sEo0HoypafI/s400/cjp260411p10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945823505864466" border="0" /></a>A couple of the <span class="fullpost"> <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/archaster.htm">Common sea stars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Archaster typicus</span>) were found near the southern sand bar. However, I did not see more of them elsewhere. Will they be able to procreate more individuals successfully to recolonize the sand bar as like before the mass flood?</span></span> Only time will tell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGp7jhy0nzA/Tb4b136_BcI/AAAAAAAAUdU/9CSiZaz8PX0/s1600/cjp260411p11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGp7jhy0nzA/Tb4b136_BcI/AAAAAAAAUdU/9CSiZaz8PX0/s400/cjp260411p11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945598853842370" border="0" /></a>The sea cucumbers were well represented during the trip. There are about 7-8 different species found in this photo collage. The presence of these soft bodied invertebrates indicate that the salinity is within tolerable range.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5rC8ycMhks/Tb4b1ov-jFI/AAAAAAAAUdM/ZFlwqOyHDXw/s1600/cjp260411p12.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5rC8ycMhks/Tb4b1ov-jFI/AAAAAAAAUdM/ZFlwqOyHDXw/s400/cjp260411p12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945594781142098" border="0" /></a>Near the floating pontoon, I came across mats of what looks like that belonging to the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/bivalvia/mytilidae/musculista.htm">Asian date mussels</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Musculista senhousia</span>). But after checking it out, I realize there were no bivalves inside the mat. I wonder what this is.</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJp0dZJoQWk/Tb4b2CgbfXI/AAAAAAAAUdc/aAuZKd7Iyxc/s1600/cjp260411p13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJp0dZJoQWk/Tb4b2CgbfXI/AAAAAAAAUdc/aAuZKd7Iyxc/s400/cjp260411p13.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945601695251826" border="0" /></a>With the help of volunteers, Nparks has consistently been giving guided walks to the public to share the natural wonders of Chek Jawa with everyone. Kudos to their hardwork in raising awareness of the shore which we all love and would want to preserve.<br /><br />I do agree that the ecosystems in Chek Jawa are indeed dynamic. Especially in the shifting in zonations of the sand bar and seagrass meadow. The button snails have gone MIA again. I believe it is probably a seasonal thing as they will migrate into deeper waters at certain stages of their life cycle.<br /><br />Let us just continue to keep a good watch at this precious living shore.<br /><br />More of what I've seen during this trip in my <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.com/2011/05/chek-jawa-on-hot-scorching-morning.html">God's Wonderful Creation blog</a>.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-43873366291339562152010-01-17T08:30:00.005+08:002010-01-17T09:05:49.879+08:003 years after the mass mortality eventIt's January 16th of 2010 and almost exactly three years after the gruelsome <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com.sg/wildfilms/blog/2007/01/death-note-from-chek-jawa.html">mass mortality event that occured in Chek Jawa</a>. Joining Teamseagrass on the shore, I went to have a quick short look at how is the shore doing for now and whether is Chek Jawa hit by the impact of the <a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2010/01/dead-fish-zone-hits-pulau-ubin.html">'Dead fish zone' at Pulau Ubin</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc3jb_K5I/AAAAAAAAQg8/3a03IS8kPWg/s1600-h/cj160110p01.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc3jb_K5I/AAAAAAAAQg8/3a03IS8kPWg/s400/cj160110p01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502610410056594" border="0" /></a><br />The relative positions of the sandbar and the seagrass always seem to be rather dynamic and whenever I visit Chek Jawa after many months (my last visit was Aug 2009), it seems to have changed a bit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc3RB7NkI/AAAAAAAAQg0/R7ntAB25iiY/s1600-h/cj160110p02.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc3RB7NkI/AAAAAAAAQg0/R7ntAB25iiY/s400/cj160110p02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502605468907074" border="0" /></a><br />This time, there were many of the Noble volutes (<em>Cymbiola nobilis</em>) laying eggs. But I thought I should look out for the soft bodied animals to see if low salinity has impacted them. A week ago, my friend Pamela mentioned that the salinity at Pasir Ris was 16 ppt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc24_YAII/AAAAAAAAQgs/UkuMtK7c_m0/s1600-h/cj160110p03.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc24_YAII/AAAAAAAAQgs/UkuMtK7c_m0/s400/cj160110p03.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502599015760002" border="0" /></a><br />The only sea star species I came across is the sand star (<em>Astropecten </em><span style="font-style: italic;">indicus</span>). Did not sight the common sea stars (<em>Archaster typicus</em>) but they are still around as they have been seen during CJ guided walks.<br /><br />Instead, I saw a wide variety of sea cucumbers! Here's the list of them...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc2CHy5uI/AAAAAAAAQgk/rF3TCYOJqGw/s1600-h/cj160110p04.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc2CHy5uI/AAAAAAAAQgk/rF3TCYOJqGw/s400/cj160110p04.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502584287127266" border="0" /></a><br />This is the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/cercodemas.htm">Pink warty sea cucumber</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Cercodemas anceps</span>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc14sv7qI/AAAAAAAAQgc/UDMQUI9mYIA/s1600-h/cj160110p05.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jc14sv7qI/AAAAAAAAQgc/UDMQUI9mYIA/s400/cj160110p05.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502581757767330" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/colochirus.htm">Thorny sea cucumber</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Colochirus quadrangularis</span>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jcs6gSYvI/AAAAAAAAQgU/7e-qirbc10U/s1600-h/cj160110p06.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jcs6gSYvI/AAAAAAAAQgU/7e-qirbc10U/s400/cj160110p06.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502427623547634" border="0" /></a><br />This is the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/smooth.htm">Smooth sea cucumber</a> that is usually only found buried in the sand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcsnAKR7I/AAAAAAAAQgM/rHmopzaO-GA/s1600-h/cj160110p07.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcsnAKR7I/AAAAAAAAQgM/rHmopzaO-GA/s400/cj160110p07.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502422388524978" border="0" /></a><br />There were quite a number of the large Garlic bread sea cucumbers (<em>Holothuria scabra</em>) that seem to be settling well for some time already.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcsQwq2QI/AAAAAAAAQgE/wp2ZgkPwhq0/s1600-h/cj160110p08.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcsQwq2QI/AAAAAAAAQgE/wp2ZgkPwhq0/s400/cj160110p08.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502416417970434" border="0" /></a><br />Last but not least, this <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/purple.htm">Purple sea cucumber</a> (Family Cucumariidae) that we usually see on northern shores.<br /><br />Glad that the sea cucumbers are fine! That's a good sign.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jcr2wfUdI/AAAAAAAAQf8/7OJhjCKvU8s/s1600-h/cj160110p09.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jcr2wfUdI/AAAAAAAAQf8/7OJhjCKvU8s/s400/cj160110p09.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502409437893074" border="0" /></a><br />As usual, the sand dollars are teeming certain parts of the sand bars, especiall the north. They are usually covered with a thin layer of sand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jcrvbx4TI/AAAAAAAAQf0/kV9eGD4wVMw/s1600-h/cj160110p10.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jcrvbx4TI/AAAAAAAAQf0/kV9eGD4wVMw/s400/cj160110p10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502407471980850" border="0" /></a><br />And here's a closer look at this Cake sand dollar (<span style="font-style: italic;">Arachnoides placenta</span>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jca_0KgoI/AAAAAAAAQfs/DvOT8mgWN-o/s1600-h/cj160110p11.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jca_0KgoI/AAAAAAAAQfs/DvOT8mgWN-o/s400/cj160110p11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502119811449474" border="0" /></a><br />One of my task is to find the return of the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"> <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/trochidae/umbonium.htm">Button snails</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Umbonium vestiarum</span>). They have been missing for 1.5 years! And I'm so happy to find them back in big patches on the north. Yay!</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcarOLKJI/AAAAAAAAQfk/nIMveQTN3ho/s1600-h/cj160110p12.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcarOLKJI/AAAAAAAAQfk/nIMveQTN3ho/s400/cj160110p12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502114283399314" border="0" /></a><br />How about the <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/05/more-chek-jawa-recces.html">Carpet anemones</a> (<em>Stichodactyla haddoni</em>)? Almost all of them look fine with no signs of bleaching. Some of them settled well among the seagrasses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcaTUl3xI/AAAAAAAAQfc/fJTgjrK5Vn4/s1600-h/cj160110p13.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcaTUl3xI/AAAAAAAAQfc/fJTgjrK5Vn4/s400/cj160110p13.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502107867864850" border="0" /></a><br />A pleasant surprise will be the north shore where many of the carpet anemones have colonized the sandy area. Can you find all five of them together in this photo?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcZrFINHI/AAAAAAAAQfU/j_3zVs106-4/s1600-h/cj160110p14.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcZrFINHI/AAAAAAAAQfU/j_3zVs106-4/s400/cj160110p14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502097065587826" border="0" /></a><br />Here's one of the prettier carpet anemone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcZRGGG6I/AAAAAAAAQfM/Z5s0fcT4HXE/s1600-h/cj160110p15.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JcZRGGG6I/AAAAAAAAQfM/Z5s0fcT4HXE/s400/cj160110p15.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427502090090322850" border="0" /></a><br />My impression of the number of <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm">Peacock anemones</a> (Order Ceriantharia)</span> remains the same though. I didn't really see an increase though it was just a general feel.<br /><br />That's about all for the animals that I usually look out for to monitor. But of course, Chek Jawa is alive and there's other creatures that I found along the way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jbhf_HEfI/AAAAAAAAQfE/TuFpRT-Ulec/s1600-h/cj160110p16.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jbhf_HEfI/AAAAAAAAQfE/TuFpRT-Ulec/s400/cj160110p16.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427501132014883314" border="0" /></a><br />Like this bunch of cuttlefish eggs in black.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jbg24LU-I/AAAAAAAAQe8/QReVafYnh6c/s1600-h/cj160110p17.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jbg24LU-I/AAAAAAAAQe8/QReVafYnh6c/s400/cj160110p17.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427501120979948514" border="0" /></a><br />I found these weird orange blobs on the seagrass blades. Are they ascidians or egg masses of some animals?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbgrYrIzI/AAAAAAAAQe0/r8_l0ZB00wY/s1600-h/cj160110p18.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbgrYrIzI/AAAAAAAAQe0/r8_l0ZB00wY/s400/cj160110p18.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427501117895025458" border="0" /></a><br />It was interesting to once again come across another of the giant-sized <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/crustacea/crab/portunidae/scylla.htm">Mud crab</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Scylla </span>sp.) on the shore. I didn't dare to get too close as it was too big and scary looking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbgOexHJI/AAAAAAAAQes/adAFfKCZ8Ec/s1600-h/cj160110p19.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbgOexHJI/AAAAAAAAQes/adAFfKCZ8Ec/s400/cj160110p19.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427501110135954578" border="0" /></a><br />An interesting find will be this moon snail that I don't think I have ever seen before alive. It has a brownish shell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jbf4ooitI/AAAAAAAAQek/Tg1CxYONbO4/s1600-h/cj160110p20.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1Jbf4ooitI/AAAAAAAAQek/Tg1CxYONbO4/s400/cj160110p20.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427501104271755986" border="0" /></a><br />And here's the underside. Hope someone can provide the id.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbTHI1J2I/AAAAAAAAQec/naQxABpcdhs/s1600-h/cj160110p21.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbTHI1J2I/AAAAAAAAQec/naQxABpcdhs/s400/cj160110p21.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427500884826597218" border="0" /></a><br />Whereas James found a solefish that I can't really tell its exact identification too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbSh8TNeI/AAAAAAAAQeU/_xZIgZfBK38/s1600-h/cj160110p22.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbSh8TNeI/AAAAAAAAQeU/_xZIgZfBK38/s400/cj160110p22.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427500874841929186" border="0" /></a><br />I was thrilled to find this featherstar clinging on the knobbly sea fans on the pillar of the floating pontoon. Have not seen featherstars at Chek Jawa for a long time!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbSJ99otI/AAAAAAAAQeM/k5pR0qzoAgc/s1600-h/cj160110p23.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbSJ99otI/AAAAAAAAQeM/k5pR0qzoAgc/s400/cj160110p23.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427500868406452946" border="0" /></a><br />The legs of the CJ boardwalk is teeming with sponges and ascidians.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbR20K4RI/AAAAAAAAQeE/rU8_OUeBufI/s1600-h/cj160110p24.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/S1JbR20K4RI/AAAAAAAAQeE/rU8_OUeBufI/s400/cj160110p24.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427500863265104146" border="0" /></a><br />And below some of them, once again, are many egg-laying noble volutes. Haha. Can you spot the cowrie at the pillar leg too?<br /><br />That's all for a short one-hour check out. Glad to know Chek Jawa is recovering well, with no signs of being impacted by the dead fish zone or low salinity. :-)Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-40271577586238530972009-08-23T20:56:00.007+08:002009-08-23T21:42:14.628+08:00How's Chek Jawa so far?It has been more than 2.5 years since the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com.sg/wildfilms/blog/2007/01/death-note-from-chek-jawa.html">mass dieoff</a> that occured due to an exceptional heavy rainfall in Dec 2006 and Jan 2007. Though my project has officially ended, recovery never ceases. I took the opportunity of today's Teamseagrass monitoring trip to take a short look at this special shore.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9t41v9RI/AAAAAAAAOQE/1-AeoPTWnYk/s1600-h/cjblog230908p01.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9t41v9RI/AAAAAAAAOQE/1-AeoPTWnYk/s400/cjblog230908p01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143688990946578" border="0" /></a><br />Time was short and I quickly made down to the coral rubble to catch the lowest tide. And it was heartening to see a pinkish <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/protoreaster.htm">Knobbly sea star</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Protoreaster nodosus</span>) just near the Chek Jawa beacon. I remember that they were not sighted for eight months after the mass death event. Many had died due to the extremely low salinity which were recorded to reach below 10ppt. Click here to see <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_pbKM4qxmq4c/RbSDpw1rtUI/AAAAAAAAAC0/yFm5ECvf9IU/s400/patrick.jpg">a photo of a dying Knobbly sea star</a> shot by Ron during Jan 2007.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9tlXN9KI/AAAAAAAAOP8/caxcUen_BUg/s1600-h/cjblog230908p02.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9tlXN9KI/AAAAAAAAOP8/caxcUen_BUg/s400/cjblog230908p02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143683762615458" border="0" /></a><br />Aren't we glad that there are now back? Today, not only did I see one or two...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9tPRNqqI/AAAAAAAAOP0/DN9YnRpg9Qk/s1600-h/cjblog230908p03.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9tPRNqqI/AAAAAAAAOP0/DN9YnRpg9Qk/s400/cjblog230908p03.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143677831850658" border="0" /></a><br />But actually three of them! I will later send these photos to Chee Kong for his <a href="http://startrackers.blogspot.com/">Star Tracker monitoring</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9s4riaRI/AAAAAAAAOPs/CRy-dYSRjzg/s1600-h/cjblog230908p04.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9s4riaRI/AAAAAAAAOPs/CRy-dYSRjzg/s400/cjblog230908p04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143671768246546" border="0" /></a><br />More stars that can be found at the coral rubble include the various sizes of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/goniodiscaster.htm">Biscuit seastars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Goniodiscaster scaber</span>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9saqhK4I/AAAAAAAAOPk/yuXwHJf7AQc/s1600-h/cjblog230908p05.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9saqhK4I/AAAAAAAAOPk/yuXwHJf7AQc/s400/cjblog230908p05.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143663710907266" border="0" /></a><br />But another sweet find at the coral rubble is this large adult-sized Cake sea star (<em>Anthenea aspera</em>). It was very much bigger than my palm!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9kcfhAEI/AAAAAAAAOPc/ogAd2ogLpNg/s1600-h/cjblog230908p06.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9kcfhAEI/AAAAAAAAOPc/ogAd2ogLpNg/s400/cjblog230908p06.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143526762676290" border="0" /></a><br />The carpet anemones <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/haddoni.htm">Haddon's carpet anemones</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Stichodactyla haddoni</span>) </span></span></span>near the coral rubble facing Sekudu are doing very well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9j23vgYI/AAAAAAAAOPU/50AalRX0m0k/s1600-h/cjblog230908p07.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9j23vgYI/AAAAAAAAOPU/50AalRX0m0k/s400/cjblog230908p07.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143516663742850" border="0" /></a><br />There are many of them and it was difficult to avoid stepping on any of these large anemones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9jkD8rKI/AAAAAAAAOPM/y73QbEl0hGw/s1600-h/cjblog230908p08.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9jkD8rKI/AAAAAAAAOPM/y73QbEl0hGw/s400/cjblog230908p08.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143511614663842" border="0" /></a><br />Though much of the corals seem to be affected after the mass flooding of rainwater, two colonies of the <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/poritidae/porboulder.htm">Pore corals</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Porites </span>sp.) were found. I hope there are more of these huge corals at the deeper waters, which I didn't get to check because the tide was not exactly super low.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9jDJmtMI/AAAAAAAAOPE/mx7oth1qS8k/s1600-h/cjblog230908p09.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9jDJmtMI/AAAAAAAAOPE/mx7oth1qS8k/s400/cjblog230908p09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143502780019906" border="0" /></a><br />Zoanthids were also scarce and I only spotted two small patches of them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9i5h-swI/AAAAAAAAOO8/jYi48vpOEpg/s1600-h/cjblog230908p10.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9i5h-swI/AAAAAAAAOO8/jYi48vpOEpg/s400/cjblog230908p10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143500197901058" border="0" /></a><br />That goes the same for the sponges. Chek Jawa used to be home to lots of colourful and good growths of different types of sponges. It was not too easy to find them today.<br /><br />But all these does not mean that the coral rubble is not doing well. As said, the tide today was not low enough and it is possible for the more delicate animals to be found more abundantly at the deeper waters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9alJJwBI/AAAAAAAAOO0/oJiYGwqA9fc/s1600-h/cjblog230908p11.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9alJJwBI/AAAAAAAAOO0/oJiYGwqA9fc/s400/cjblog230908p11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143357286105106" border="0" /></a><br />I went to check out the pillars of the boardwalk and was quite glad to find more sponges of different colours encrusted onto them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9aIzj1xI/AAAAAAAAOOs/IJZ0BhDeV64/s1600-h/cjblog230908p12.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9aIzj1xI/AAAAAAAAOOs/IJZ0BhDeV64/s400/cjblog230908p12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143349679347474" border="0" /></a><br />More sponges and ascidians attached on the pillars.<br /><br />Weirdly, I didn't spot any of the <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralsoft/neppink.htm">Pink flowery soft coral</a> (Family Nephtheidea) that were previous seen <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2008/10/quick-check-at-coral-rubble.html">at the rubble</a> and the pillars of the boardwalk. </span>I did see one colony of <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/gorgonacea/gorgonacea.htm">Sea fans</a> (Order Gorgonacea) though. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9ZlAsVBI/AAAAAAAAOOk/xszNEzEQ3mA/s1600-h/cjblog230908p13.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9ZlAsVBI/AAAAAAAAOOk/xszNEzEQ3mA/s400/cjblog230908p13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143340070753298" border="0" /></a><br />I quickly went over to the seagrass lagoon and main sandbars to check out the animals there. The carpet anemones are still there as usual as well as the large numbers of the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/echinoidea/sandollar/arachnoides.htm">Cake sand dollars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Arachnoides placenta</span>) that crowded many parts of the sandy shore.</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9ZM8PGvI/AAAAAAAAOOc/lCA2HhvFT2M/s1600-h/cjblog230908p14.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9ZM8PGvI/AAAAAAAAOOc/lCA2HhvFT2M/s400/cjblog230908p14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143333609609970" border="0" /></a><br />These sand dollars leave imprints on the sand that are circular in shape. I didn't find any of the rarer keyhole sand dollar though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9Y-eFcTI/AAAAAAAAOOU/fChD7Hk-Vx8/s1600-h/cjblog230908p15.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE9Y-eFcTI/AAAAAAAAOOU/fChD7Hk-Vx8/s400/cjblog230908p15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373143329725051186" border="0" /></a><br />It was day time and most of the abundant sand stars (<span style="font-style: italic;">Astropecten</span> sp.) had burrowed into the sand since they are norturnal in nature.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8yRtFw_I/AAAAAAAAOOM/1L6fqKoNsmQ/s1600-h/cjblog230908p16.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8yRtFw_I/AAAAAAAAOOM/1L6fqKoNsmQ/s400/cjblog230908p16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373142664873362418" border="0" /></a><br />I was on the lookout for the <span class="fullpost"> <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/asteroidea/archaster.htm">Common sea stars</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Archaster typicus</span>) by the five-arm marks on the sand but instead stumbled upon a brittlestar.</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8x0oW4YI/AAAAAAAAOOE/sOI45i7vDHU/s1600-h/cjblog230908p17.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8x0oW4YI/AAAAAAAAOOE/sOI45i7vDHU/s400/cjblog230908p17.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373142657068884354" border="0" /></a><br />Good thing was that Adelle later showed me one of the common sea star. I heard from her that many of them have been spotted during the guided walks. This is good news.<span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8xYFJiKI/AAAAAAAAON8/OyrYTEgqTTw/s1600-h/cjblog230908p18.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8xYFJiKI/AAAAAAAAON8/OyrYTEgqTTw/s400/cjblog230908p18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373142649405016226" border="0" /></a><br />I guess at the sand bar, the most drastic change in terms of population will be the Garlic bread sea cucumber (<span style="font-style: italic;">Holothuria scabra</span>)! They are very common today considering many others are buried under the sand. Who knows how many is now at Chek Jawa. We do not need another mass death to suddenly see tons of these poor cucumbers die and surface on the sand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8xGHU8xI/AAAAAAAAON0/vjNHf-GGm6A/s1600-h/cjblog230908p19.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8xGHU8xI/AAAAAAAAON0/vjNHf-GGm6A/s400/cjblog230908p19.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373142644582314770" border="0" /></a><br />How about <span class="fullpost"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm">peacock anemones</a> (Order Ceriantharia).</span>? At some parts of the seagrass lagoon, they seem to be doing well!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8wnX19VI/AAAAAAAAONs/K1Rme4vWJJc/s1600-h/cjblog230908p20.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8wnX19VI/AAAAAAAAONs/K1Rme4vWJJc/s400/cjblog230908p20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373142636330087762" border="0" /></a><br />There's no sign of discoloration or poor growth of some sort.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8ozALFyI/AAAAAAAAONk/f9hHp4LqNgI/s1600-h/cjblog230908p21.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8ozALFyI/AAAAAAAAONk/f9hHp4LqNgI/s400/cjblog230908p21.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373142502013081378" border="0" /></a><br />I quickly walked to the north to search for the <span class="fullpost"><span class="fullpost"> <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/trochidae/umbonium.htm">Button snails</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Umbonium vestiarum</span>)</span></span> that have been missing in action for a long time.<br /><br />However I couldn't find any living button snails.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8oY3bWuI/AAAAAAAAONc/dACuddNKbSc/s1600-h/cjblog230908p22.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8oY3bWuI/AAAAAAAAONc/dACuddNKbSc/s400/cjblog230908p22.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373142494997076706" border="0" /></a><br />There were dead shells though. A sign that they are still around somewhere, I think subtidally. They do migrate to and fro different zonations so I am not too worried.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8n6nmKJI/AAAAAAAAONU/m6ia9UmJHoE/s1600-h/cjblog230908p23.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SpE8n6nmKJI/AAAAAAAAONU/m6ia9UmJHoE/s400/cjblog230908p23.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373142486877612178" border="0" /></a><br />Sunrise over Chek Jawa signifies new birth after the mass mortality event. A birth of a human being takes many years to mature, not to say an ecosystem.<br /><br />Let's hope Chek Jawa has many good years more to go to recover back into its former glory, slowly but definitely surely.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-49190391707603499012009-08-07T16:22:00.005+08:002009-08-07T16:38:02.915+08:00Article at Nature Watch is out!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SnvlZRqBbHI/AAAAAAAANuo/YH0WGrqEkDs/s1600-h/naturewatchcoverpage.bmp"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SnvlZRqBbHI/AAAAAAAANuo/YH0WGrqEkDs/s400/naturewatchcoverpage.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367135603341225074" border="0" /></a><br />Ria passed me the latest copy of Nature Watch this morning showing me that the article I've written for the magazine has been (finally) published! I remember doing this writeup end of last year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SnvkVtDHixI/AAAAAAAANug/oPWnZAZMq-o/s1600-h/lifedeathcjnw.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SnvkVtDHixI/AAAAAAAANug/oPWnZAZMq-o/s400/lifedeathcjnw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367134442463136530" border="0" /></a><br />It is a six-pages article. Feel free to purchase this latest copy from <a href="http://www.naturesniche.com/">Nature's Niche</a> if you are interested.<br /><br />Would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Peter Todd for encouraging me to do this writing and be there to guide me along. Ria, Ron and Siva for the photos. Liana, Mei Lin and other friends whom have vetted the draft. Last but not least, the editors of Nature Watch for their great work in getting this article published.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-55785296982342545282009-05-07T18:02:00.009+08:002009-05-07T18:56:37.877+08:00Chek Jawa in May 2009It's been some time since I have updated this project blog. Finally got a chance to check out Chek Jawa after the <a href="http://teamseagrass.blogspot.com/2009/05/seagrass-watch-workshop-level-1-field.html">Teamseagrass field session</a> just last Saturday.<br /><br />How are the animals doing?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3d3LEndI/AAAAAAAAK2A/LgBoenOJcAc/s1600-h/cjmayp06.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3d3LEndI/AAAAAAAAK2A/LgBoenOJcAc/s400/cjmayp06.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026632414567890" border="0" /></a><br />Recovery, I must say, is slow but steady. There are not many carpet anemones on the sandbar as compared to the past, but they are slowly coming back. This photo was taken at the southern sand bar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3d-t1lcI/AAAAAAAAK14/ydGh-QiQ8ek/s1600-h/cjmayp07.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3d-t1lcI/AAAAAAAAK14/ydGh-QiQ8ek/s400/cjmayp07.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026634439431618" border="0" /></a><br />The northern sandbar also has many of carpet anemones, especially at the water edge. It's a good sign.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3dviidCI/AAAAAAAAK1w/wUAI69o3lnw/s1600-h/cjmayp08.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3dviidCI/AAAAAAAAK1w/wUAI69o3lnw/s400/cjmayp08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026630365508642" border="0" /></a><br />Some of them look bright...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3dR-VBdI/AAAAAAAAK1o/9vJR3fPX8BY/s1600-h/cjmayp09.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3dR-VBdI/AAAAAAAAK1o/9vJR3fPX8BY/s400/cjmayp09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026622429005266" border="0" /></a><br />While the most look rather pale, which I thought it's quite usual for these carpet anemones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3dRt2U1I/AAAAAAAAK1g/BRNbgk5elNE/s1600-h/cjmayp10.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3dRt2U1I/AAAAAAAAK1g/BRNbgk5elNE/s400/cjmayp10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026622359884626" border="0" /></a><br />I do suspect that the strong solar radiation in the recent afternoons has bleached out some of the carpet anemones like this one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3VVxaYlI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/FVQne44B2ak/s1600-h/cjmayp11.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3VVxaYlI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/FVQne44B2ak/s400/cjmayp11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026486009619026" border="0" /></a><br />And this carpet anemone too. Good thing is, these are the only two bleaching carpet anemone out of the close to fifty carpet anemones I encountered during that day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3VKx1bNI/AAAAAAAAK1Q/fNuwgH1nSMM/s1600-h/cjmayp12.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3VKx1bNI/AAAAAAAAK1Q/fNuwgH1nSMM/s400/cjmayp12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026483058601170" border="0" /></a><br />The southern sandbar just beyond the floating platform is still littered with tubeworms!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3VHI8j-I/AAAAAAAAK1I/QGFSqLy-EgE/s1600-h/cjmayp13.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3VHI8j-I/AAAAAAAAK1I/QGFSqLy-EgE/s400/cjmayp13.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026482081796066" border="0" /></a><br />And among the tubeworms, I spotted this geographical seahare.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3U49DoOI/AAAAAAAAK1A/TNYKbdctqmM/s1600-h/cjmayp14.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3U49DoOI/AAAAAAAAK1A/TNYKbdctqmM/s400/cjmayp14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026478273831138" border="0" /></a><br />How about the button snails? Are they back yet? They have been <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2008/05/where-are-button-shells.html">missing exactly since one year ago</a>. At least intertidally. I saw many of these white skeletons of the button snail shells at the northern sandbar.<br /><br />Did they just died recently?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3UyqmnhI/AAAAAAAAK04/BxprmUcFWnU/s1600-h/cjmayp15.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3UyqmnhI/AAAAAAAAK04/BxprmUcFWnU/s400/cjmayp15.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026476585819666" border="0" /></a><br />I also found some of the intact button snail shells with hermit crabs. Which proves that the button snails persisted during this one year. Just that they have probably migrated to the subtidal area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3NG7wKFI/AAAAAAAAK0w/UUqgb8PYg9A/s1600-h/cjmayp16.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3NG7wKFI/AAAAAAAAK0w/UUqgb8PYg9A/s400/cjmayp16.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026344587503698" border="0" /></a><br />As usual, the sand dollars are just so abundant! And many of them are really big. Alas, no keyhole sand dollars could be found. They are rare as usual to be found.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3M1aLeOI/AAAAAAAAK0o/uaPZbiSLCt0/s1600-h/cjmayp17.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3M1aLeOI/AAAAAAAAK0o/uaPZbiSLCt0/s400/cjmayp17.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026339883284706" border="0" /></a><br />I went back to the same patch where <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2009/01/2009-good-start-for-chek-jawa.html">common sea stars were last found</a> and the stars are still there!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3MmEn4SI/AAAAAAAAK0g/rlGlQiZwGSQ/s1600-h/cjmayp18.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3MmEn4SI/AAAAAAAAK0g/rlGlQiZwGSQ/s400/cjmayp18.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026335766339874" border="0" /></a><br />In fact I spotted two pairs pseudo-corpulating! Good... go procreate more!<br /><br />That's all for the key animals that I was monitoring for. There are also some other creatures that I stumbled upon during the survey.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3MciCF8I/AAAAAAAAK0Y/bMivPnBKtyI/s1600-h/cjmayp19.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3MciCF8I/AAAAAAAAK0Y/bMivPnBKtyI/s400/cjmayp19.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026333205338050" border="0" /></a><br />Like this smooth sea cucumber...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3MPLwCFI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/bm-ucikcx9A/s1600-h/cjmayp20.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3MPLwCFI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/bm-ucikcx9A/s400/cjmayp20.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026329622218834" border="0" /></a><br />This aggressive elbow crab...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3DDOVwaI/AAAAAAAAK0I/6v4iqvLTrug/s1600-h/cjmayp21.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3DDOVwaI/AAAAAAAAK0I/6v4iqvLTrug/s400/cjmayp21.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026171793031586" border="0" /></a><br />And this yellowish bristleworm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3DFRn8KI/AAAAAAAAK0A/agAEP10lIBw/s1600-h/cjmayp22.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3DFRn8KI/AAAAAAAAK0A/agAEP10lIBw/s400/cjmayp22.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026172343677090" border="0" /></a><br />Beneath the floating pontoon are a huge growth of the green mussels.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3CwuEOiI/AAAAAAAAKz4/eqTpJf90rJY/s1600-h/cjmayp23.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SgK3CwuEOiI/AAAAAAAAKz4/eqTpJf90rJY/s400/cjmayp23.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333026166825826850" border="0" /></a><br />The hard substrate, together with many of these mussels, created crevices where many of the thunder crabs can be found.<br /><br />That's all for the update this time! :-)Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-20557513241080226872009-01-10T21:45:00.004+08:002009-01-10T22:29:14.508+08:00A 2009 good start for Chek JawaHow is Chek Jawa two years after the massive freshwater flooding event in 2007?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimzSGTb4I/AAAAAAAAJU8/6-SD9oGNGuY/s1600-h/cjproj09p01.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimzSGTb4I/AAAAAAAAJU8/6-SD9oGNGuY/s400/cjproj09p01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289661162308464514" border="0" /></a><br />There are many tubeworms that have colonized most part of the northern sand bar. Alas, button snails were missing. Could it be that both tubeworms and the button snails cannot co-exist or that the button snails have migrated to the subtidal area?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimzUVjveI/AAAAAAAAJU0/DyhSYKZ0a3E/s1600-h/cjproj09p02.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimzUVjveI/AAAAAAAAJU0/DyhSYKZ0a3E/s400/cjproj09p02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289661162909318626" border="0" /></a><br />How about the southern sand bar? There are parts where you can find balls of sand left over by sand bubbler crabs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimzExUafI/AAAAAAAAJUs/9qcVophlWEQ/s1600-h/cjproj09p03.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimzExUafI/AAAAAAAAJUs/9qcVophlWEQ/s400/cjproj09p03.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289661158730787314" border="0" /></a><br />What is most heartening is the return of juvenile and mid-sized carpet anemones on the sandbar, this time in more numbers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimy2BTGmI/AAAAAAAAJUk/JaCLI1_9vJE/s1600-h/cjproj09p04.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimy2BTGmI/AAAAAAAAJUk/JaCLI1_9vJE/s400/cjproj09p04.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289661154771278434" border="0" /></a><br />Let's hope that their return will continue and we look forward to them crowding the sand bar like land mines though that might take many years though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimpZmg37I/AAAAAAAAJUc/xBQeeaN-8L4/s1600-h/cjproj09p06.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimpZmg37I/AAAAAAAAJUc/xBQeeaN-8L4/s400/cjproj09p06.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289660992523919282" border="0" /></a><br />Today I couldn't find any peacock anemones that are showing much of their tentacles. Could it mean anything?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimpKezeaI/AAAAAAAAJUU/WbOd1JtmXI0/s1600-h/cjproj09p07.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimpKezeaI/AAAAAAAAJUU/WbOd1JtmXI0/s400/cjproj09p07.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289660988465052066" border="0" /></a><br />As usual, there are many sand stars out on the shore.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimpEpw8NI/AAAAAAAAJUM/i1AMCF2ND70/s1600-h/cjproj09p08.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimpEpw8NI/AAAAAAAAJUM/i1AMCF2ND70/s400/cjproj09p08.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289660986900410578" border="0" /></a><br />And we are all very happy to see the common sea stars back, we counted eight today in one tide pool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimo54gwQI/AAAAAAAAJUE/u2cV-FIidxE/s1600-h/cjproj09p09.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimo54gwQI/AAAAAAAAJUE/u2cV-FIidxE/s400/cjproj09p09.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289660984009474306" border="0" /></a><br />These are adults that most probably escaped the flooding death toll by burrowing very deep or going deep into the subtidal area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimo0i5FlI/AAAAAAAAJT8/uqKCxXeBrGw/s1600-h/cjproj09p10.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SWimo0i5FlI/AAAAAAAAJT8/uqKCxXeBrGw/s400/cjproj09p10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289660982576617042" border="0" /></a><br />The biggest surprise is this rare six-armed sea star (<span style="font-style: italic;">Luidia penangensis</span>). Read more about this special sea star and other fantastic finds on my <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.com/2009/01/first-2009-team-seagrass-trip-at-chek.html">God's Wonderful Creation blog</a>.<br /><br />Looks like Chek Jawa has a good start for 2009! Let's hope that there will be no massive rainfall event or flood for this month.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-63670981115968981112008-10-19T09:05:00.006+08:002008-10-19T09:36:36.729+08:00A quick check at the coral rubbleIt has been more than two months since I've checked Chek Jawa out. This time, I was fortunate to have Dr Dan, Siva and Airani joining to have a good look at how Chek Jawa is recovering.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJGlKYdjI/AAAAAAAAF58/HGI2KERZMm4/s1600-h/P1220553.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666261056353842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJGlKYdjI/AAAAAAAAF58/HGI2KERZMm4/s400/P1220553.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Chee Kong with Dr Dan and Airani. Apparently, Chee Kong and Sijie were being filmed for some programme.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJG_8RGUI/AAAAAAAAF6E/1Zl1iAnSYOM/s1600-h/P1220555.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666268244908354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJG_8RGUI/AAAAAAAAF6E/1Zl1iAnSYOM/s400/P1220555.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It was surreal to be back at this wonderful place at a good weather. Soon, we were on a mission to check out the identification of the plentiful tubeworms at the northern sandbar, which was a success!<br /><br />Quickly, I did a followup survey on the peacock anemones and there were a few more new additions in the survey plots to my previous count during January 2008. This is great.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJHV1uoCI/AAAAAAAAF6M/OmPf3nrHwQQ/s1600-h/P1220559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666274123063330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJHV1uoCI/AAAAAAAAF6M/OmPf3nrHwQQ/s400/P1220559.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The team seagrassers were also there to monitor the lush seagrass. Some of them alerted me and they have found a juvenile kite butterflyfish.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJH5_hwNI/AAAAAAAAF6U/3rvJbatfOmk/s1600-h/P1220560.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666283827839186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJH5_hwNI/AAAAAAAAF6U/3rvJbatfOmk/s400/P1220560.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Time and tide waits for no man and I headed to the coral rubble area (the prominent icon of this area being the beacon) for my last agenda of the day since the tide was low enough to check this fragile and rich spot of Chek Jawa.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJH8WGlKI/AAAAAAAAF6c/TJzpUL6AwJg/s1600-h/P1220562.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666284459398306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqJH8WGlKI/AAAAAAAAF6c/TJzpUL6AwJg/s400/P1220562.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There were a number of these fanworms which has tentacles that swirl gracefully in the waters.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI6DrcOvI/AAAAAAAAF5U/FjzA1iSCeNY/s1600-h/P1220573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666045909777138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI6DrcOvI/AAAAAAAAF5U/FjzA1iSCeNY/s400/P1220573.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Soon, the Star trackers found a juvenile knobbly sea star which was exciting. They proceeded with the measurement. Am looking forward to their analysis of the knobblies in Chek Jawa since recently we see many juvenile ones.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI6yEnu1I/AAAAAAAAF5c/TPB5EXfXVdw/s1600-h/P1220577.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666058363419474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI6yEnu1I/AAAAAAAAF5c/TPB5EXfXVdw/s400/P1220577.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The carpet anemones were doing well.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI7BmUamI/AAAAAAAAF5k/xPPWkz6uFkk/s1600-h/P1220578.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666062531291746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI7BmUamI/AAAAAAAAF5k/xPPWkz6uFkk/s400/P1220578.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Stuck at the sandy substrate are many of these fan shells.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI7RPNEsI/AAAAAAAAF5s/P_mW3-g3ao8/s1600-h/P1220583.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666066729308866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI7RPNEsI/AAAAAAAAF5s/P_mW3-g3ao8/s400/P1220583.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />However, sponge recovery was not that fast, many of them were still sparsely distributed which small sizes. But it is good to see from this photo that there are quite a number of different species represented.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI8NNobQI/AAAAAAAAF50/zpRIQN0lenI/s1600-h/P1220584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258666082828840194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqI8NNobQI/AAAAAAAAF50/zpRIQN0lenI/s400/P1220584.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />More sponges....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIjK67uiI/AAAAAAAAF4s/Unz6p4T6vzI/s1600-h/P1220585.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665652716812834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIjK67uiI/AAAAAAAAF4s/Unz6p4T6vzI/s400/P1220585.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And more sponges. Be patient and I hope they will comeback in bigger numbers and sizes.<br /><br />Below are many more of the marine organisms found at the coral rubble.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIjYyzWhI/AAAAAAAAF40/XWYY4Q52odg/s1600-h/P1220587.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665656440805906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIjYyzWhI/AAAAAAAAF40/XWYY4Q52odg/s400/P1220587.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I was venturing deeper into the coral rubble carefully, to avoid stonefish and careless trampling. And I saw this thorny sea cucumber and a swimming crab.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIj2RlZII/AAAAAAAAF48/6VLjmp_CtOk/s1600-h/P1220594.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665664354542722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIj2RlZII/AAAAAAAAF48/6VLjmp_CtOk/s400/P1220594.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There were also many of these anemones that we usually see at Pulau Sekudu.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIkB6JhII/AAAAAAAAF5E/SUbmHut0wwA/s1600-h/P1220598.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665667477472386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIkB6JhII/AAAAAAAAF5E/SUbmHut0wwA/s400/P1220598.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hydroids are man's enemies if we didn't wear longs.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIkvIz7CI/AAAAAAAAF5M/pJ5LA_fJfhI/s1600-h/P1220599.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665679618567202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIkvIz7CI/AAAAAAAAF5M/pJ5LA_fJfhI/s400/P1220599.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Soft corals at the deeper parts of the coral rubble.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqINVmBsVI/AAAAAAAAF4E/Th7I-creq7w/s1600-h/P1220608.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665277624791378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqINVmBsVI/AAAAAAAAF4E/Th7I-creq7w/s400/P1220608.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />From the small colony of <em>Porites</em> coral.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqINzPtnxI/AAAAAAAAF4M/AyWXLxpAh20/s1600-h/P1220609.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665285584264978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqINzPtnxI/AAAAAAAAF4M/AyWXLxpAh20/s400/P1220609.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />to a bigger colony that I couldn't get a clear photo since it was deep in the water. Surprisingly, I didn't notice the colourful fish beside it until I was back!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqINzRtQkI/AAAAAAAAF4U/X1itaMSMsus/s1600-h/P1220612.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665285592629826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqINzRtQkI/AAAAAAAAF4U/X1itaMSMsus/s400/P1220612.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Thundercrabs were also common foraging when the tide went out.<br /><br />I also encountered a number of sea stars at the coral rubble.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIOchWI2I/AAAAAAAAF4c/mazgfyGO8bI/s1600-h/P1220618.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665296664077154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIOchWI2I/AAAAAAAAF4c/mazgfyGO8bI/s400/P1220618.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Several biscuit sea stars.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIOn6Oa_I/AAAAAAAAF4k/LtBEn-qnAIA/s1600-h/P1220621.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665299721219058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqIOn6Oa_I/AAAAAAAAF4k/LtBEn-qnAIA/s400/P1220621.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The bigger <em>Astropecten</em> sand star, possibly <em>Astropecten vappa</em>.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqH9hS4dzI/AAAAAAAAF3k/ckd5K83Bymc/s1600-h/P1220630.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665005887813426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqH9hS4dzI/AAAAAAAAF3k/ckd5K83Bymc/s400/P1220630.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Adult cake sea star. This photo shows a shrimp that I didn't notice till I was processing the photos. Indeed there's much life that awaits our discovery only if we decide to look closely and intently.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqH-PYUaLI/AAAAAAAAF3s/C6SFZh5uW7k/s1600-h/P1220641.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665018258647218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqH-PYUaLI/AAAAAAAAF3s/C6SFZh5uW7k/s400/P1220641.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I found a rare find of this sand star with six arms just very near the cake sea star as well.<br /><br />Towards the end of the check, I suddenly realized I was all alone in the shore while the rest has retreated back. So I quickly hurried my steps to head back.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqH-Yqj2lI/AAAAAAAAF30/k_wn6hcDPic/s1600-h/P1220650.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665020751075922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqH-Yqj2lI/AAAAAAAAF30/k_wn6hcDPic/s400/P1220650.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Suddenly, this knobbly sea star caught my attention and I went to take a closer look. It has one of its arm chomped off.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqH-yWAnqI/AAAAAAAAF38/_yPI8Rf5ReQ/s1600-h/P1220656.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258665027644202658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SPqH-yWAnqI/AAAAAAAAF38/_yPI8Rf5ReQ/s400/P1220656.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Last but not least, I had a pleasant encounter with this charming Gold-spotted mudskipper (<em>Periophthalmus chrysospilos</em>) just beneath the boardwalk.<br /><br />It was a good trip, and I believe that the coral rubble is slowly but surely recovering.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-524248904719629972008-08-04T18:37:00.010+08:002008-08-04T23:10:05.449+08:00Recovery of Chek Jawa thus far5am, one small team of us left Changi jetty, volunteering selflessly to do a health check at Chek Jawa. Though all of my regular gang were busy to make it, I am very grateful that Ginny, Pamela, Tze Hwee and Han Sheng could come and help put and also experience Chek Jawa for their first time.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2b3BFPyI/AAAAAAAAFkM/j1d_8_mNbI8/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p01.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638975722798882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2b3BFPyI/AAAAAAAAFkM/j1d_8_mNbI8/s400/cjstudy040808p01.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It has been one year since <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/07/ups-and-downs-at-chek-jawa.html">I've arrived at Chek Jawa so early</a>. But we get to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the horizon of Pulau Tekong.<br /><br />This stretch of Chek Jawa to the west of the coral rubble, near the House No. 1 jetty has very <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/05/more-chek-jawa-recces.html">good growths and large numbers of adult carpet anemones</a> (<em>Stichodactyla haddoni</em>).<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2cKbS6eI/AAAAAAAAFkU/4GvnYfpAYdw/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p02.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638980933020130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2cKbS6eI/AAAAAAAAFkU/4GvnYfpAYdw/s400/cjstudy040808p02.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It is postulated that this part of Chek Jawa seemed to have minimal freshwater impacts due to headlands that diverted the river effect from Johor River. Therefore, numerous carpet anemones are still thriving here and that this location also acts as a seeding site for recovery to the other parts of Chek Jawa.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2cXbIoCI/AAAAAAAAFkc/jAjmEdM5UJ8/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p03.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638984422006818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2cXbIoCI/AAAAAAAAFkc/jAjmEdM5UJ8/s400/cjstudy040808p03.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The way they are found on the seagrass area of this part of Chek Jawa can come in random, clusters,<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2cfXyvnI/AAAAAAAAFkk/7xDbj7Yx3d8/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p04.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638986555473522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2cfXyvnI/AAAAAAAAFkk/7xDbj7Yx3d8/s400/cjstudy040808p04.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />and interestingly, linear fashion, where five of them forms a straight line. I guess this is just purely coincidental.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2cg7wOCI/AAAAAAAAFks/48oyCigRjU4/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p05.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638986974738466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJb2cg7wOCI/AAAAAAAAFks/48oyCigRjU4/s400/cjstudy040808p05.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />But it is also possible that the carpet anemones here could be migrated from the other parts of Chek Jawa that were badly affected by the Jan 2007 mass death.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbygdWqO1I/AAAAAAAAFjk/xORuAjCREcQ/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p06.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230634656686816082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbygdWqO1I/AAAAAAAAFjk/xORuAjCREcQ/s400/cjstudy040808p06.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is because they can uproot themselves in stressful situations and drift with the currents to a less stressful area.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbygW1xYkI/AAAAAAAAFjs/taQtUT3T00w/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p07.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230634654938260034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbygW1xYkI/AAAAAAAAFjs/taQtUT3T00w/s400/cjstudy040808p07.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />However, I couldn't find the colourful variety of sponges at the coral rubble that <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/12/december-transect-day-2.html">I've seen before during December 07</a>. Only many of these long branched purple sponges,<a href="http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2008/07/chek-jawa-with-teamseagrass.html"> as also observed by Ria earlier on</a>, can be found.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbygn-KKgI/AAAAAAAAFj0/WVJB2eBV3Ew/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230634659536841218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbygn-KKgI/AAAAAAAAFj0/WVJB2eBV3Ew/s400/cjstudy040808p08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />According to our regular trips observation from northern shores, these long branched purple sponges are very common because they are quite tough and can be found even in inconducive conditions. What happen to the other "more sensitive" sponges? Was the tide not low enough to reveal the other sponges?<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbygrG2HDI/AAAAAAAAFj8/_EuzGVrZ45M/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p09.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230634660378582066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbygrG2HDI/AAAAAAAAFj8/_EuzGVrZ45M/s400/cjstudy040808p09.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ginny and I were doing checks at the coral rubble, one of which is to find the adult knobbly sea stars (<em>Protoreaster nodosus</em>). I think the tide wasn't super low enough (though 0.0m) to find the adults. But Ginny found this juvenile knobbly sea star that was enough to make me excited.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbyg2MaagI/AAAAAAAAFkE/4bmX4IPNciM/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230634663354722818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbyg2MaagI/AAAAAAAAFkE/4bmX4IPNciM/s400/cjstudy040808p10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This means new blood of the knobbly stars for Chek Jawa! Can't wait for them to grow up.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd9yOLltI/AAAAAAAAFi8/OyUsowpkcvs/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230612070760421074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd9yOLltI/AAAAAAAAFi8/OyUsowpkcvs/s400/cjstudy040808p11.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Other sea stars spotted included a couple of the cake sea stars (<em>Anthenea</em> <em>aspera</em>).<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd94WEvwI/AAAAAAAAFjE/CrE27xNJqMY/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230612072404139778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd94WEvwI/AAAAAAAAFjE/CrE27xNJqMY/s400/cjstudy040808p12.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is the other cake sea star found at the coral rubble area.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd-E68whI/AAAAAAAAFjM/ezMctGqjlDc/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p13.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230612075780030994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd-E68whI/AAAAAAAAFjM/ezMctGqjlDc/s400/cjstudy040808p13.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />As usual, there are many biscuit sea stars (<em>Goniodiscaster scaber</em>) that we commonly find at the northern shores nowadays.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd-Et0U-I/AAAAAAAAFjU/zR_FO0BRh1s/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p14.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230612075724952546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd-Et0U-I/AAAAAAAAFjU/zR_FO0BRh1s/s400/cjstudy040808p14.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I've also found a patch of zebra coral (<em>Oulastrea</em> sp.) growing in the interior of an abandon tyre.<br /><br />Also spotted are zoanthids and flowery soft corals that I couldn't take a photo of due to the murky waters from the returning tides.<br /><br />Next, we checked the sand bar and the seagrass lagoon area.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd-bkLNPI/AAAAAAAAFjc/iR2n_r9w5X8/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230612081858524402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbd-bkLNPI/AAAAAAAAFjc/iR2n_r9w5X8/s400/cjstudy040808p15.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Several groundscape photographs were taken for monitoring over time and also to compare with the state of Chek Jawa before the mass death.<br /><br />Tze Hwee, alone, was posted to search for the <a href="http://chekjawa.nus.edu.sg/ria/text/318.htm">Button Shells</a> (<em>Umbonium vestiarum</em>) at a far far northern sandbar. She couldn't find them though, even at the usual spots where I once recorded GPS points.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdwyPoC-I/AAAAAAAAFiU/V4GK1OuIfcM/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p16.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611847428180962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdwyPoC-I/AAAAAAAAFiU/V4GK1OuIfcM/s400/cjstudy040808p16.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />While everyone was hard at work, Pamela and Han Sheng were searching for the mussel beds within the seagrass lagoon.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdwxNXV7I/AAAAAAAAFic/-PgPcm0kSYM/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p17.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611847150262194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdwxNXV7I/AAAAAAAAFic/-PgPcm0kSYM/s400/cjstudy040808p17.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />To my surprise, we could not find any mussel bed today! This was in line with the missing mussel beds from Changi and also later on I realized those at the Ubin jetty were gone too. What was left behind were the mounds of mud that I believed were once trapped by the byssus threads of the once-existent mussels. Could their absence now be due to a seasonal reason or that the predators of these Asian mussels (<em>Musculista senhousia</em>) have completely wiped them out?<br /><br />A study was done by <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T8F-4HYN5B6-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=183b412bda7ac1456bf33a26cf63115d">Kushner and Hovel (2006) </a>to the response of native predators (gastropod <em>Pteropurpura festiva</em>) to an invasive marine bivalve, the Asian mussel <em>Musculista senhousia</em> (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Mytilidae). The results of the study suggested that in overall, "intertidal or subtidal areas with high seagrass cover and high predator abundance may be resistant to invasion by Asian mussels, but the likelihood that a population of <em>M. senhousia</em> will become established will depend on the relative densities of predator and prey, <em>M. senhousia</em> settlement and growth rates, and the spatial and temporal scale being considered."<br /><br />The study by Kushner and Hovel (2006) also stated that "native predators may be able to confer invasion resistance to local communities, but are unlikely to be able to control large, established <em>M. senhousia</em> populations"<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdfBhTZZI/AAAAAAAAFhs/a6_VJjesiKM/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p21.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611542291211666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdfBhTZZI/AAAAAAAAFhs/a6_VJjesiKM/s400/cjstudy040808p21.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Similar to the native gastropod <em>Pteropurpura festiva</em> from Kushner and Hovel (2006), many of the drills (<em>Thais</em> sp.) were <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2007/09/mussel-beds-in-chek-jawa.html">once found on top of the mussel beds</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdfUgwqCI/AAAAAAAAFh0/roXpZQ8TLLc/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p22.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611547389208610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdfUgwqCI/AAAAAAAAFh0/roXpZQ8TLLc/s400/cjstudy040808p22.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And the eggs of the drills were also present on the surface of the mussel beds.<br /><br />It is possible that the predation of the drills on the mussels could have slowly but surely led to the elimination of the mussels from the mussel bed. Though Kushner and Hovel (2006) stated that it is difficult to control large populations, the <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2008/05/chek-jawa-after-four-months.html">seemingly shrinking of the mussel beds </a>observed in May could be a factor that aided the predation of the Asian mussels which led to control and thus elimination.<br /><br />Nevertheless, the real reason behind such an elimination is difficult to account for. A better knowledge of the relative densities of predator and prey, <em>M. senhousia</em> settlement and growth rates, and their spatial and temporal scale will be needed to give a scientific explanation.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdw1EWUpI/AAAAAAAAFik/InnGSMj-wBk/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p18.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611848186188434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdw1EWUpI/AAAAAAAAFik/InnGSMj-wBk/s400/cjstudy040808p18.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There are many sand dollars towards the northern sandbar that are teeming on the sand.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdxD0RxdI/AAAAAAAAFis/fxYqS6fcECU/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p19.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611852145313234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdxD0RxdI/AAAAAAAAFis/fxYqS6fcECU/s400/cjstudy040808p19.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Some of the tubes from the tubeworms were also photographed. This one is the bigger one.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdxJCu1RI/AAAAAAAAFi0/VQD5aekq8CA/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p20.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611853548115218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdxJCu1RI/AAAAAAAAFi0/VQD5aekq8CA/s400/cjstudy040808p20.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And there is another type of tubeworms that are much smaller.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdfvzGQoI/AAAAAAAAFh8/yu8TGI12LfI/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p23.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611554713879170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdfvzGQoI/AAAAAAAAFh8/yu8TGI12LfI/s400/cjstudy040808p23.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There were about less than ten carpet anemones starting to be found growing at the sandbar. Before the mass death, the sandbar was filled with these carpet anemones like landmines.<br /><br />Hopefully with time, more of these carpet anemones will return to the sand bars.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdf0Mr3kI/AAAAAAAAFiE/6mhqTbEimeo/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p24.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611555894943298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdf0Mr3kI/AAAAAAAAFiE/6mhqTbEimeo/s400/cjstudy040808p24.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The seagrass lagoon has yet another surprise for us, another juvenile knobbly sea star! Ria has also <a href="http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2008/07/chek-jawa-with-teamseagrass.html">found two of them</a> in July as well. This is heartening.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdgHd8kSI/AAAAAAAAFiM/SyP2WmbzFCg/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p25.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230611561067614498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbdgHd8kSI/AAAAAAAAFiM/SyP2WmbzFCg/s400/cjstudy040808p25.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Underside of the juvenile knobbly sea star.<br /><br />And for the finale....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbcNilpelI/AAAAAAAAFhU/73Tj-2sc_cU/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p26.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230610142418532946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbcNilpelI/AAAAAAAAFhU/73Tj-2sc_cU/s400/cjstudy040808p26.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Common sea stars (<em>Archaster typicus</em>) are still around! </div><div><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbcNrOqLMI/AAAAAAAAFhc/H5hnLpc4Hi8/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p27.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230610144738028738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbcNrOqLMI/AAAAAAAAFhc/H5hnLpc4Hi8/s400/cjstudy040808p27.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>However, they seem to be only found at a specific spot that I always return to search for them through GPS. I hope there are more elsewhere that we have no chance to stumble across because Chek Jawa is too large to properly do a search.</div><div></div><div>All too soon, the tide still had to return and we left the shore promptly.</div><div><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbcNx55rYI/AAAAAAAAFhk/pvFHc5_8JoU/s1600-h/cjstudy040808p28.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230610146530012546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJbcNx55rYI/AAAAAAAAFhk/pvFHc5_8JoU/s400/cjstudy040808p28.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>My friends couldn't resist climbing the Jejawi viewing tower and it was a good opportunity to take a group photo of them. Thank you all for your help today! <br /><br />A more light hearted post with other sightings during the trip: <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.com/2008/08/chek-jawa-check-with-friends.html">http://wondercreation.blogspot.com/2008/08/chek-jawa-check-with-friends.html</a><br /><br />Reference:<br /></div><div>Kushner, R.B. and Hovel, K.A. (2006) Effects of native predators and eelgrass habitat structure on the introduced Asian mussel Musculista senhousia (Benson in Cantor) in southern California. <em>Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology</em> 332(2): 166-177.</div>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-7639732369432179452008-07-30T14:20:00.004+08:002008-07-30T14:37:14.633+08:00Talk on "Life and Death at Chek Jawa" at IYOR launch<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJALa5tPJZI/AAAAAAAAFSk/D_KSwyq4f1s/s1600-h/lifeanddeath9aug.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228691724172207506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJALa5tPJZI/AAAAAAAAFSk/D_KSwyq4f1s/s400/lifeanddeath9aug.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Lauded for its high biodiversity with six distinct ecosystems, Chek Jawa received a ten year deferment from land reclamation in 2001 and has subsequently become a popular attraction among Singaporeans. However, a mass death of several marine animals occurred in January 2007. A study was later done to understand what contributed to the mass mortality event and evaluate the recovery of marine animals. It is true that a better understanding is essential to protect this fascinating shore. In this talk, Kok Sheng will share with the audience how is Chek Jawa faring and also his experiences and discoveries from the study.</strong><br /><br />About the speaker: Kok Sheng is currently an undergraduate in NUS, majoring in Life Sciences with specialization in Biology. In July 2007, he received the MOE Teaching Award. Kok Sheng has great interests in ecological work and did an UROPS (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme in Science) project under the supervision of N. Sivasothi, Peter Todd and Dan Rittschof. His project aimed to study the mass mortality and recruitment of macrofauna at Chek Jawa in Pulau Ubin. Since the project has application value in understanding and conserving the Singapore macrofauna at Chek Jawa, Kok Sheng's project has been featured in Protecting nature's beauty in The Straits Times (September 10, 2007), Embracing Passion Going Places, the NUS Advertorial in The Straits Times (March 25, 2008) and Tuesday Report: Children Of The Earth on Channel 8, Mediacorp TV (July 8, 2008). Kok Sheng is also a volunteer with <a href="http://teamseagrass.blogspot.com/">TeamSeagrass</a>, <a href="http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/">Naked Hermit Crabs</a> and <a href="http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/">Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research</a>. He also runs the <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/">Chek Jawa Mortality and Recruitment Project blog</a> and <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.com/">God's Wonderful Creation blog</a>.<br /><p align="left"><strong>Date</strong>: 9 Aug- National Day (Sat)</p><p align="left"><strong>Time</strong>: 10.30am</p><strong>Venue</strong>: Function Hall, <a href="http://www.sbg.org.sg/tanglincore/tanglincore.asp">Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens</a> (above Taman Serasi foodcourt), more <a href="http://www.sbg.org.sg/visitorinfo/openinghours.asp">about getting there</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Contact</strong>: <a href="mailto:iyor08singapore@gmail.com">iyor08singapore@gmail.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJALbKJhiGI/AAAAAAAAFSs/znNUKuR1ZVU/s1600-h/2674617526_2cf5451509_m.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228691728585820258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SJALbKJhiGI/AAAAAAAAFSs/znNUKuR1ZVU/s400/2674617526_2cf5451509_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More talks, events and fun during the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) launch here: <a href="http://iyor08singapore.blogspot.com/2008/07/9-aug-sat-reef-celebrations-launch-of.html">http://iyor08singapore.blogspot.com/2008/07/9-aug-sat-reef-celebrations-launch-of.html</a>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-20994859724576781372008-05-27T09:41:00.008+08:002008-05-27T10:25:00.211+08:00Chek Jawa after four monthsFollowing yesterday's post focusing on mainly button shells, sand stars and other marine animals, this post is a continuation on the other groups of animals that we have been monitoring. It has been four months since effort was taken to check the health of Chek Jawa properly.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpOxRKlSI/AAAAAAAAEYA/C2cErW5Gguo/s1600-h/cjmay01.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869496821159202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpOxRKlSI/AAAAAAAAEYA/C2cErW5Gguo/s400/cjmay01.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />As I entered the entrance of the sand bar, the first thing that caught my attention was the increase in the density and number of tubeworms. I remember the sand bar was quite barren last year.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpPBRKlTI/AAAAAAAAEYI/INXvZw8yao0/s1600-h/cjmay02.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869501116126514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpPBRKlTI/AAAAAAAAEYI/INXvZw8yao0/s400/cjmay02.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Immediately, I went to check the anemone number 25 just beside the floating pontoon. Glad its still there but it doesn't look as green as it used to be. Instead it looks pale.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpPBRKlUI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/sZYt7mrqmHs/s1600-h/cjmay02a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869501116126530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpPBRKlUI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/sZYt7mrqmHs/s400/cjmay02a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This photo was the last documentation we had of the exact anemone (number 25). This was taken by Ria Tan during January 2008. It shows a darker green coloration on the oral disk.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpPBRKlVI/AAAAAAAAEYY/cgftxf2CgYc/s1600-h/cjmay03.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869501116126546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpPBRKlVI/AAAAAAAAEYY/cgftxf2CgYc/s400/cjmay03.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Many other anemones were also pale-looking as well. What caused this? Could it be the higher temperature in the weather this period? Could it be similar to the <a href="http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2008/05/coral-bleaching-at-sentosa.html">coral bleaching in Sentosa</a> since carpet anemones also harbour zooxanthallae?<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpPRRKlWI/AAAAAAAAEYg/4qRtdjONIvI/s1600-h/cjmay04.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869505411093858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpPRRKlWI/AAAAAAAAEYg/4qRtdjONIvI/s400/cjmay04.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />An interesting sight where a large volute shell is stuck to the mouth of the small carpet anemone. Could it be feeding a volute snail? I turned a bit to check, there was a striped hermit crab inside. Not sure if the hermit crab will survive hiding in the shell in the end.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDto_RRKlNI/AAAAAAAAEXY/RuW59PbHRcU/s1600-h/cjmay05.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869230533186770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDto_RRKlNI/AAAAAAAAEXY/RuW59PbHRcU/s400/cjmay05.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Nevertheless, some anemones seem to be doing well. Yikang showed me this anemone which looks healthy in terms of colour and its size is humungeous.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDto_hRKlOI/AAAAAAAAEXg/wF5T4BttN1s/s1600-h/cjmay06.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869234828154082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDto_hRKlOI/AAAAAAAAEXg/wF5T4BttN1s/s400/cjmay06.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Two-15cm rulers cannot even cover its diameter. It is about 35-40cm in diameter. Wow!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDto_xRKlPI/AAAAAAAAEXo/8Jz7EFqnyms/s1600-h/cjmay07.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869239123121394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDto_xRKlPI/AAAAAAAAEXo/8Jz7EFqnyms/s400/cjmay07.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Now over to the peacock anemones. They seem to be doing okay.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDto_xRKlQI/AAAAAAAAEXw/IXWt9kTcPXg/s1600-h/cjmay08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869239123121410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDto_xRKlQI/AAAAAAAAEXw/IXWt9kTcPXg/s400/cjmay08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The area where we used to survey peacock anemones still thrives with several of them. Can you see them from this photo.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpABRKlRI/AAAAAAAAEX4/prtmlxEsCmI/s1600-h/cjmay09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204869243418088722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtpABRKlRI/AAAAAAAAEX4/prtmlxEsCmI/s400/cjmay09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The first photo of this collage is not a peacock anemone but I added it in since it is part of the previous photo.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtovxRKlII/AAAAAAAAEWw/TsW45xykWBI/s1600-h/cjmay10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868964245214338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtovxRKlII/AAAAAAAAEWw/TsW45xykWBI/s400/cjmay10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />How about sand dollars? They are doing very well mostly at the northern sand bar. Can you see the circular outlines?<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtowBRKlJI/AAAAAAAAEW4/tKTeIazG-Vc/s1600-h/cjmay11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868968540181650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtowBRKlJI/AAAAAAAAEW4/tKTeIazG-Vc/s400/cjmay11.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A closer look reveals several sand dollar outlines and their movement.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtowBRKlKI/AAAAAAAAEXA/nlqZplu74ts/s1600-h/cjmay12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868968540181666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtowBRKlKI/AAAAAAAAEXA/nlqZplu74ts/s400/cjmay12.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />They come in various sizes and cover a dense area of the sand bar.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtowRRKlLI/AAAAAAAAEXI/8j19m6jfeJk/s1600-h/cjmay13.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868972835148978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtowRRKlLI/AAAAAAAAEXI/8j19m6jfeJk/s400/cjmay13.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />How the sand dollars look like after removing the top sand.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtowRRKlMI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/AhwM1IRp3vU/s1600-h/cjmay14.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868972835148994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtowRRKlMI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/AhwM1IRp3vU/s400/cjmay14.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This sand dollar is quite large as you can see with the hand of Yikang as a scale.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoihRKlFI/AAAAAAAAEWY/bNAaBqb1M-4/s1600-h/cjmay15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868736611947602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoihRKlFI/AAAAAAAAEWY/bNAaBqb1M-4/s400/cjmay15.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ron who was guiding all along with Ubin volunteers told me that common sea stars were not spotted since the last time I did during January 2008. I believe their population has badly been depleted since the mass death. These common sea stars remaining are likely to be survival of the mass mortality event. Dr Lane suggested that they could have burrowed deep down to avoid the freshwater influx.<br /><br />Good thing is that I have the GPS location of the isolated patch where common sea stars were last sighted. We took quite some time to search but to no avail. Finally I saw a star shaped thing with most part already burrowed. It is the common sea star and there's two, they were pseudo-copulating.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoixRKlGI/AAAAAAAAEWg/_dOa-U2HlK0/s1600-h/cjmay16.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868740906914914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoixRKlGI/AAAAAAAAEWg/_dOa-U2HlK0/s400/cjmay16.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is one of them.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtojBRKlHI/AAAAAAAAEWo/sb7jvV8wwHE/s1600-h/cjmay17.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868745201882226" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtojBRKlHI/AAAAAAAAEWo/sb7jvV8wwHE/s400/cjmay17.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And another one of the common sea star. Glad they are still around.<br /><br />According to Run <em>et al.</em> (1988), the spawning season of these sea stars is in late June and July. So let's hope they will be back in larger numbers soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoDRRKlAI/AAAAAAAAEVw/2HTl2c4b-0A/s1600-h/cjmay18.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868199741035522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoDRRKlAI/AAAAAAAAEVw/2HTl2c4b-0A/s400/cjmay18.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Last but definitely not the least, I went to check out the mussel beds. The mussel beds are fascinating because they were not around before the mass death. The conditions after the mass death created a niche for them to colonize since they are known to be invasive.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoDhRKlBI/AAAAAAAAEV4/XQml74K1w00/s1600-h/cjmay19.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868204036002834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoDhRKlBI/AAAAAAAAEV4/XQml74K1w00/s400/cjmay19.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What intrigues me is that the huge patches of mussel beds moved westwards towards the high shore area. Can you see the patches nearer to the solitary sonneratia tree?<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoDxRKlCI/AAAAAAAAEWA/OoVEBduqOW4/s1600-h/cjmay20.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868208330970146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoDxRKlCI/AAAAAAAAEWA/OoVEBduqOW4/s400/cjmay20.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And more patches can be found nearer to the boardwalk and the rocks.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoDxRKlDI/AAAAAAAAEWI/-w_GqZm2ZVo/s1600-h/cjmay21.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868208330970162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoDxRKlDI/AAAAAAAAEWI/-w_GqZm2ZVo/s400/cjmay21.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Though I didn't have the manpower to walk the boundaries with a GPS set, the estimated blue dotted part of the map shows the transition of these mussel beds westward. The maroon red parts are where the mussel beds were during January 2008.<br /><br />Why did they move towards the higher shore direction. Well, we know that they like lower salinity. Could it be because the salinity seaward has higher and they prefer to be nearer to the high shore where there is a release of freshwater from the coastal forest or mangroves especially after a rain? This is a hypothesis.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoEBRKlEI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/xq6xo6Vm6hA/s1600-h/cjmay22.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204868212625937474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDtoEBRKlEI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/xq6xo6Vm6hA/s400/cjmay22.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Another discovery will be that these mussels have grown! They are about 2cm in length while those that I found in August last year were about 1cm in length.<br /><br />I wonder if the sand stars eat these mussels to survive since button shells are now not around till later.<br /><br />There's so much to learn from Chek Jawa given that it is really dynamic. Constant checking is important for us to understand the shore better and learn new things out from it. Let's hope the next check will reveal Chek Jawa to be recovering even better.<br /><br /><strong>Reference:</strong><br />Run, J. Q., C. P. Chen, K. H. Chang, and F. S. Chia. (1988). Mating behavior and reproductive cycle of Archaster typicus(Echinodermata: Asteroidea). Marine Biology 99: 247-253.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-70831662436617981332008-05-26T16:15:00.007+08:002008-05-26T19:05:36.019+08:00Where are the button shells?Last Thursday, most sand stars (<em>Astropecten </em>sp.) went <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.com/2008/05/where-are-sand-stars.html">missing at Changi shores</a>. Many hypotheses were made and one of which is their food might be not around, thus explaining their absence. On Saturday, Mei lin smsed me that the Creative Kids group found about 10 sand stars and Chay Hoon found many sand stars too yesterday during their Chek Jawa guided walk.<br /><br />I'm quite convinced that the sand stars are still around, but I believe in lower numbers and it might be due to the absence of button shells (<em>Umbonium vestiarium</em>), the food for the sand stars. I could not find any button shells at Changi last Thursday.<br /><br />Thus I've decided to check out Chek Jawa with Yikang this morning to look for the button shells since Chek Jawa, as I what know, has the most extensive button shell beds in Singapore.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy-hRKk7I/AAAAAAAAEVI/hzd2spb_DPc/s1600-h/P1160893.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598737787851698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy-hRKk7I/AAAAAAAAEVI/hzd2spb_DPc/s400/P1160893.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />With the help of Adelle from Nparks, Yikang and I got a ride from the volunteer hub to Chek Jawa. At first entrance of the place, after three months since I last visited, I felt like homecoming. However, the weather did not look too good. Thank God He sustained the clouds and held the rain till we ended the trip and were back to the volunteer hub.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy-xRKk8I/AAAAAAAAEVQ/Omdccbj0CIo/s1600-h/P1160945.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598742082819010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy-xRKk8I/AAAAAAAAEVQ/Omdccbj0CIo/s400/P1160945.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />With the aid of GPS points made during our previous surveys, I went back to different exact plots where plentiful of button shells can be found. Berry and Zamri (1983) stated that button shells can be found hidden 0.5cm-1.5cm deep in clean sand, which is true based on my previous experiences. However, I could not find any plots like that at all today! So I dug very much deeper and saw many whitish shells. It was a tiring digging morning to check them out.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy_BRKk9I/AAAAAAAAEVY/ESAHLUwx_p4/s1600-h/P1160960.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598746377786322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy_BRKk9I/AAAAAAAAEVY/ESAHLUwx_p4/s400/P1160960.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Some white shells looks quite indistinguishable of what it belongs to.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy_BRKk-I/AAAAAAAAEVg/ZEX6YElfRpg/s1600-h/P1160961.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598746377786338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy_BRKk-I/AAAAAAAAEVg/ZEX6YElfRpg/s400/P1160961.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />But a closer look shows that they are actually button shells.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy_RRKk_I/AAAAAAAAEVo/8BNXL2R6jGQ/s1600-h/P1160965.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598750672753650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpy_RRKk_I/AAAAAAAAEVo/8BNXL2R6jGQ/s400/P1160965.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />But they are all dead.<br /><br />It's not a mass mortality event caused by lowered salinity. It seems to match in line with my hypothesis stated in my <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.com/2008/05/where-are-sand-stars.html">God's wonderful creation blog</a>.<br /><br />According to Berry and Zamri (1983), it was stated that "progression of this cohort (of button shells) indicated that young settling in May-June grew to full size (11-13mm diameter) by January-March the following year and that virtually all died during their second year, presumably having spawned in March-May". This paper also stated "the older cohort were always more abundant upshore than downshore except in May 1982".<br /><br />Does this explains the absence or death of button shells in May?<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpywxRKk2I/AAAAAAAAEUg/1kHSzfQmn6g/s1600-h/P1160966.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598501564650338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpywxRKk2I/AAAAAAAAEUg/1kHSzfQmn6g/s400/P1160966.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There are still some intact shells left but please do not take these shells away though the snail already died. That is because hermit crabs can also make use of the empty shell to reside in it like this one.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyxRRKk3I/AAAAAAAAEUo/QE4e-9DiFZc/s1600-h/P1160981.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598510154584946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyxRRKk3I/AAAAAAAAEUo/QE4e-9DiFZc/s400/P1160981.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I am still relieved to see several sand stars around. We measured twenty over of them today. Wonder if they can survive without button shells for long. They do also feed on detritus.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyxhRKk4I/AAAAAAAAEUw/4UKS0CwTSVM/s1600-h/P1160985.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598514449552258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyxhRKk4I/AAAAAAAAEUw/4UKS0CwTSVM/s400/P1160985.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />These sea stars are quite easily spotted when we reached at 8am. But after 9am, it was difficult to find them! They burrow into the sand like the one on the right. This is because these stars have a circadian rhythm which I will study also soon.<br /><br />That's about all for the button shells and sand stars observations. Meanwhile, other animals were found as well during our working time.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyxhRKk5I/AAAAAAAAEU4/hkxxnX8Mxh8/s1600-h/P1160986.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598514449552274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyxhRKk5I/AAAAAAAAEU4/hkxxnX8Mxh8/s400/P1160986.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It's always heartening to see new life on the shore. The noble volute is laying eggs on the sand bar. Soon, we shall have many baby ones.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyxxRKk6I/AAAAAAAAEVA/jnlO5wVv8fk/s1600-h/P1160987.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598518744519586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyxxRKk6I/AAAAAAAAEVA/jnlO5wVv8fk/s400/P1160987.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Like Changi, geographical sea hares can be found.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpykRRKkxI/AAAAAAAAET4/s3Tg4E8iiFU/s1600-h/P1160988.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598286816285458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpykRRKkxI/AAAAAAAAET4/s3Tg4E8iiFU/s400/P1160988.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Yikang spotted for his first time an octopus while I was checking on my anemones.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpykxRKkyI/AAAAAAAAEUA/f3rMDbttylA/s1600-h/P1160989.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598295406220066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpykxRKkyI/AAAAAAAAEUA/f3rMDbttylA/s400/P1160989.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />He also chanced upon this brittlestar that is rather large in my opinion.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpylRRKkzI/AAAAAAAAEUI/mV_EE8XkBOc/s1600-h/P1160990.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598303996154674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpylRRKkzI/AAAAAAAAEUI/mV_EE8XkBOc/s400/P1160990.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I'm glad to see the sandfish sea cucumbers still around. I accidentally stepped onto one since they burrowed and I couldn't see them while walking till suddenly a squirt of water flew up. Haha.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpylhRKk0I/AAAAAAAAEUQ/z_Rmeu4xGWc/s1600-h/P1170001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598308291121986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpylhRKk0I/AAAAAAAAEUQ/z_Rmeu4xGWc/s400/P1170001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The Nparks volunteers found yet another sea cucumber.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpylxRKk1I/AAAAAAAAEUY/Yt82w-ny7Lk/s1600-h/P1170002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598312586089298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpylxRKk1I/AAAAAAAAEUY/Yt82w-ny7Lk/s400/P1170002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is not a sea cucumber but a peanut worm. My first time seeing it! Wow, Chek Jawa always reveal surprises with every visit. I never get bored with Chek Jawa. This used to be so common in the past that they take them for feeding worms.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyVxRKksI/AAAAAAAAETQ/gXC9YL4QEzE/s1600-h/P1170003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598037708182210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyVxRKksI/AAAAAAAAETQ/gXC9YL4QEzE/s400/P1170003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I moved down southwards and check out the guided walk. Everyone was enjoying the session.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyVxRKktI/AAAAAAAAETY/kCmT_Kxts44/s1600-h/P1170004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598037708182226" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyVxRKktI/AAAAAAAAETY/kCmT_Kxts44/s400/P1170004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It's always good to restrict visitors to just the sand bar while hunter seekers bring the animals to a centralized location. Or else, Chek Jawa might be just trampled to death, or loved to death.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyWBRKkuI/AAAAAAAAETg/D3yCjufi_HA/s1600-h/P1170039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598042003149538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyWBRKkuI/AAAAAAAAETg/D3yCjufi_HA/s400/P1170039.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Low tide also means feeding time for shore birds!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyWBRKkvI/AAAAAAAAETo/hIKsNwBhirk/s1600-h/P1170044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598042003149554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyWBRKkvI/AAAAAAAAETo/hIKsNwBhirk/s400/P1170044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I overturned rocks near the boardwalk area while approaching back to House no. 1 and found this hoof-shield limpet (<em>Scutus</em> sp.) like the <a href="http://wondercreation.blogspot.com/2008/05/changi-rocks.html">one we found at Changi last week</a>. Cool!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyWBRKkwI/AAAAAAAAETw/Im-qyMX5XeU/s1600-h/P1170046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204598042003149570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyWBRKkwI/AAAAAAAAETw/Im-qyMX5XeU/s400/P1170046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There is a Bailer volute (<em>Melo melo</em>) at the rescue tank of House no. 1. Wow, I've never seen it before and I wonder where it came from.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyKRRKkoI/AAAAAAAAESw/-82ap9o0R08/s1600-h/P1170050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204597840139686530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyKRRKkoI/AAAAAAAAESw/-82ap9o0R08/s400/P1170050.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />At the same time, I got my first hand experience to see the fascinating and magnificient mural done during the May Day Outreach.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyKRRKkpI/AAAAAAAAES4/IGx8vWnv7wI/s1600-h/P1170051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204597840139686546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyKRRKkpI/AAAAAAAAES4/IGx8vWnv7wI/s400/P1170051.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />House no. 1 was also airing the Remember Chek Jawa film as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyKxRKkqI/AAAAAAAAETA/6dNBmYPVN1g/s1600-h/P1170052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204597848729621154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyKxRKkqI/AAAAAAAAETA/6dNBmYPVN1g/s400/P1170052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Before leaving, a hornbill was spotted, though this was the only shot I got before it decided to fly away. Hehe.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyLRRKkrI/AAAAAAAAETI/w8AVDkOPwyw/s1600-h/P1170056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204597857319555762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SDpyLRRKkrI/AAAAAAAAETI/w8AVDkOPwyw/s400/P1170056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Wow, what a great day. The rain poured like nobody's business while we were back at the jetty area. We had a good time chatting and refilling ourselves with 100 plus till the rain stopped. The sky cleared up and I took a photo of Pulau Sekudu with a mountain at Johor on the way back. Nice to also get to know some Ubin volunteers today too. Thanks Yikang for coming to help as well.<br /><br />I have YET cover everything today in this single post. A trip to Chek Jawa after three months means I have to check out also the other groups of marine animals that we used to monitor. The last monitoring session was at January 2008! About four months ago and it has been some time we monitored or checked them already.<br /><br />If you want to know how the other groups of animals (except button shells and sand stars discussed in this post) fare now, look out for an upcoming post on their progress.<br /><br /><strong>Reference:</strong><br />Berry, A.J. and Zamri bin Othman (1983). An annual cycle of recruitment, growth and production in a Malaysian population of the trochacean gastropod Umbonium vestiarium (L.). Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 17: 357–363.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-9967171444709369652008-05-16T13:26:00.005+08:002008-05-17T14:31:15.120+08:00Talk at NUS Faculty of Science Open HouseDear all, I will be sharing with prospective students during NUS Science Open House on Sat 24/5/08 regarding my experience in doing a research project on Chek Jawa. Feel free to come and listen. :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SC0dICrSLsI/AAAAAAAAD_g/T8DtAM0kxeQ/s1600-h/lifedeath.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200845168677367490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SC0dICrSLsI/AAAAAAAAD_g/T8DtAM0kxeQ/s400/lifedeath.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Date: 24 May 2008<br /><br />Location: LT27<br /><br />Talk Title: <strong>Life and death at Chek Jawa. A UROPs research experience in Life Sciences</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Talk duration: 15 min (between 2:00-3:30pm)<br /><br />Speaker name: Mr. LOH Kok Sheng<br /><br />Speaker profile:<br /><br />Mr. Loh graduated from Serangoon Junior College and joined NUS in 2005, majoring in life Sciences with specialization in Biology. In July 2007, he received the MOE Teaching Award. Mr. Loh has great interests in ecological work and did an UROPS project under the supervision of N. Sivasothi, Peter Todd and Dan Rittschof. His project aimed to study the mass mortality and recruitment of macrofauna at Chek Jawa in Pulau Ubin. Since the project has application value in understanding and conserving the Singapore macrofauna at Chek Jawa, Mr. Loh’s achievement has been featured in Embracing passion, NUS Advertorial and The Straits Time (March 25 2008). In this talk, Mr. Loh will share with the audience his experience in project work (UROPS) in Life Sciences and highlight those qualities that he has developed through this project as a junior scientist.<br /><br />More about the Open House: <a href="http://www.science.nus.edu.sg/openhouse/index.htm">http://www.science.nus.edu.sg/openhouse/index.htm</a>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-43616028444481344332008-04-13T22:32:00.009+08:002008-04-13T23:15:51.466+08:00Anecdotal observations of stress recentlyOn 12 April 2008, a group of volunteers from Team Seagrass and Chek Jawa guides were out at Chek Jawa. There were some blog postings reported about some signs of unhealthy animals especially for sea stars and a few carpet anemones. Below are a compilation of their observations from various blog posts. All photos and commentary credit to the author of that particular post.<br /><br />1. Ria Tan's Wildfilm blog: <a href="http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2008/04/chek-jawa-with-teamseagrass.html">Chek Jawa with TeamSeagrass</a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZwEeVpyI/AAAAAAAADkw/qIzMEh--yAQ/s1600-h/star1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188738034309637922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZwEeVpyI/AAAAAAAADkw/qIzMEh--yAQ/s400/star1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>"Also rather disturbing, I encountered TWO Biscuit sea stars (<em>Goniodiscaster scabra</em>) that looked like they were unwell. Here's the underside of the first one. The tip of the arm looks more like it's disintegrating rather than having been chomped on by a predator."</div><div><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZwkeVpzI/AAAAAAAADk4/QmCswVEnzMw/s1600-h/star1a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188738042899572530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZwkeVpzI/AAAAAAAADk4/QmCswVEnzMw/s400/star1a.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>"Here's the upperside of the same sea star."</div><div><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZwkeVp0I/AAAAAAAADlA/Gl71RsfQ5-4/s1600-h/star2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188738042899572546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZwkeVp0I/AAAAAAAADlA/Gl71RsfQ5-4/s400/star2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>"Nearby, I found another sea star with similar injuries. Oh dear. The last time sea stars disintegrated when there was massive flooding in Johor in early 2007, resulting in a drop in salinity at Chek Jawa. This badly affected some of the marinelife there, especially the sea stars and carpet anemones. And it has been raining quite a bit recently..."</div><br /><div>2. Sam Yeo's Ramblings of a Peculiar Nature blog: <a href="http://ramblingsofapeculiarnature.blogspot.com/2008/04/back-to-chek-jawa-sat-12-march-2008.html">Back to Chek Jawa: Sat, 12 March 2008</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIanEeVp3I/AAAAAAAADlY/D-TF7bWyRrU/s1600-h/IMG_6092+(Small).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188738979202443122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIanEeVp3I/AAAAAAAADlY/D-TF7bWyRrU/s400/IMG_6092+(Small).jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>"Found this dead biscuit star under the boardwalk. It looked like it imploded and something that happened to many of the sea creatures during <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com.sg/wildfilms/blog/2007/01/death-note-from-chek-jawa.html">the mass death of Chek Jawa in 2007</a>. Could it be due to the rain of recent days?"</div><br /><div>3. Ron Yeo's The Tide Chaser blog: <a href="http://tidechaser.blogspot.com/2008/04/chek-jawa-walk-on-12-apr-2008.html">Chek Jawa Walk on 12 Apr 2008</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIa1EeVp4I/AAAAAAAADlg/Tu6flN0TsHQ/s1600-h/sandstar1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188739219720611714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIa1EeVp4I/AAAAAAAADlg/Tu6flN0TsHQ/s400/sandstar1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />"Some sandstars don't look that healthy though. I found at least 2 more sandstars, which look like they were disintegrating, and part of their body were turning white in colour."</div><div><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZxEeVp1I/AAAAAAAADlI/XKaeEnhiAw4/s1600-h/carpet_anemone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188738051489507154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZxEeVp1I/AAAAAAAADlI/XKaeEnhiAw4/s400/carpet_anemone.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>"We also saw a few overturned carpet anemones, and placed them in little tidal pools."</div><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZxUeVp2I/AAAAAAAADlQ/FWJPqlrY-uI/s1600-h/sea_cucumber.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188738055784474466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIZxUeVp2I/AAAAAAAADlQ/FWJPqlrY-uI/s400/sea_cucumber.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />"This poor sea cucumber also looks like it's slowly rotting.The last time we witness all the above phenomenon was during last year's flood, which brought a lot of fresh water into Chek Jawa and many animals die! That certainly got me a little worried, since we have been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past few days."</div><br /><div>---------------------------------------------------------<br /></div><div>According to my study, three areas were hypothesized to cause hyposalinity at Chek Jawa. </div><br /><div>1. Increase in discharge of freshwater output from Johor River<br />2. Direct rainfall</div><div>3. Incidence of low tides when point 1 and/or 2 is occuring</div><br /><div>Due to the Johor river water level website that is inaccessible at the moment, I can't comment on point 1. Neither do I purchase the rainfall data every month for point 2. But it is true that recently there was quite a number of heavy rain events over the week which coincidented with the low spring tides that started on Monday (7th April 2008) till Sunday (13th April 2008). Though the low tide series is well recorded in the Singapore Tide Tables Year 2008, quantitative data is needed for the rainfall, preferably from Pulau Tekong station. </div><br /><div></div><div>Echinoderms are stenohaline (unable to withstand wide variation in salinity of surrounding water) in nature and therefore it is not a surprise to see them disintegrating when salinity is lowered beyond a certain limit, which the latter needs to be verified. Anemones like carpet anemones also respond to extreme lowering of salinity. Below is a flow chart of the effects of hyposalinity.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIgvEeVp5I/AAAAAAAADlo/JJG3oIURUnY/s1600-h/anemoneschart.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188745713711163282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAIgvEeVp5I/AAAAAAAADlo/JJG3oIURUnY/s400/anemoneschart.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><u></u></div><div>It is yet heartening on another side that the health of Chek Jawa is being looked after and checked by shore volunteers.<br /><br /><u>Reference</u></div><div>Engebretson, H and Martin, KLM (1994). “Effects of decreased salinity on expulsion of zooxanthellae in the symbiotic sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima.” Pacific Science, Vol. 48, no. 4, pp. 446-457 </div>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-21062692012326488622008-04-12T21:44:00.002+08:002008-04-12T22:03:31.412+08:00Grain size distribution analysis at Chek JawaRemember the post made in February regarding <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2008/02/studying-substrate-variability-in-chek.html">Studying substrate variability in Chek Jawa by GIS</a>? It is a team effort made by Yikang, Yong Jian and Jing Kai from NUS Geography department. They went out in February to collect sediments from the transects my project was doing. More about their adventures in my <a href="http://cjproject.blogspot.com/2008/02/february-transect-day-1.html">CJ project blog</a> and Ria's <a href="http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2008/02/last-chek-jawa-project-trip.html">wildfilms blog</a>.<br /><br />The team has done up a website: <a href="http://www.rainmuse.com/chekjawa/">http://www.rainmuse.com/chekjawa/</a> where you can conveniently have access to their work. It's interactive, informative and beautiful! Here's some screenshots from the webpage.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9Vh9NOiI/AAAAAAAADjQ/QLV4Dbg93jY/s1600-h/yikang1+(Small).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188354948320803362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9Vh9NOiI/AAAAAAAADjQ/QLV4Dbg93jY/s400/yikang1+(Small).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The homepage of the website shows the grain size distribution using a Google Map. It was done using GIS applications on the sediment data collected from the transect. I like how you can click on the right side the different sediment size classes and the distribution will be shown on the Google Earth image. Try exploring around to find out more.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9WB9NOjI/AAAAAAAADjY/MqscGFfOZds/s1600-h/yikang2+(Small).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188354956910737970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9WB9NOjI/AAAAAAAADjY/MqscGFfOZds/s400/yikang2+(Small).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />You can get to know more about their background, study area, sorting of sediments and most importantly the objectives. To summarise, the main objective will be to gain an insight into the coastal processes affecting the beach at Chek Jawa, in particular the grain size sorting process and the variables that influence this phenomenon. Importantly, this project aims to show that GIS aids in data collection, visualization and manipulation.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9WB9NOkI/AAAAAAAADjg/p2sBJhnP2zs/s1600-h/yikang3+(Small).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188354956910737986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9WB9NOkI/AAAAAAAADjg/p2sBJhnP2zs/s400/yikang3+(Small).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />If you are curious how they conducted their study, feel free to read more about their sampling, sieving and interpolation method. I believe you will be amazed how technology can aid in research, especially in the area of GIS, which in this project can help to do interpolations of grain distribution in Chek Jawa.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9WR9NOlI/AAAAAAAADjo/zmLeNHgEdWE/s1600-h/yikang4+(Small).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188354961205705298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9WR9NOlI/AAAAAAAADjo/zmLeNHgEdWE/s400/yikang4+(Small).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Analysis of results mainly show:<br /><br />1. Velocity of less than 0.5 m/sec in this area (Wong, 1985) may prove to be significant as from the <a href="http://www.geology.ucdavis.edu/~gel109/Lectures/l3/Hjulstrom.jpg" target="_new">Hjulstrom curve</a> would imply sediments between 0.01 mm and 0.15 mm may be affected due to sufficient energy of the tidal streams<br /><br />2. Presence of river indicates source of sediments as well as a counteracting force to the long shore current<br /><br />3. The sand bar may be the resultant feature of the tidal flow and the river flow due to the lowering of energy levels<br /><br />4. Selective sorting may also have taken place as can be seen from the progressive reduction in grain sizes further away from the river where fluvial influence is the greatest (Self, 1977)<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9Wh9NOmI/AAAAAAAADjw/279HbFIaZAo/s1600-h/yikang5+(Small).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188354965500672610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/SAC9Wh9NOmI/AAAAAAAADjw/279HbFIaZAo/s400/yikang5+(Small).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The last segment explains more about GIS, their limitations, and conclusion.<br /><br />The team ended off with "This case can serve as a starting point which can be expanded to the other beaches in Singapore, especially in context of the heavy modifications to the coastline in recent years. Knowing how sand grains are sorted can possibly give an idea of the energy level of a particular beach environment (Nordstrom, 1977). This will have implications on the methods of beach protection employed. For instance, predicting the possible morphological changes to the beach should beach nourishment activities take place will help in determining the effectiveness of the activities."<br /><br />Find out more about their work here: <a href="http://www.rainmuse.com/chekjawa/">http://www.rainmuse.com/chekjawa/</a>Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-42732770232674742412008-03-27T12:21:00.002+08:002008-03-27T13:15:06.533+08:00a big THANK YOUMonday was the day where my report had to be submitted to the Department office by hook or by crook. Somehow having a dateline is a good thing. It compells me to tighten up my analysis and my writeup, polish it and get ready to present as an end-result. It was a huge struggle trying to complete the report. I'll probably debrief about my project experiences another time. But I want to take this opportunity to thank those who have made my project possible. My vocab and english is not so powerful, so please don't feel offended if I didnt thank you enough with my words. In my heart I am really grateful.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-sh2F0wuVI/AAAAAAAADaM/99DhclRwoco/s1600-h/070805cjd5092m6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182273009380014418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-sh2F0wuVI/AAAAAAAADaM/99DhclRwoco/s400/070805cjd5092m6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Firstly, would like to thank my main supervisor, Siva (in orange) and also co-supervisor Dr Dan (with a panama hat).<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-sh2F0wuWI/AAAAAAAADaU/N-L9X58Qslk/s1600-h/P1040220.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182273009380014434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-sh2F0wuWI/AAAAAAAADaU/N-L9X58Qslk/s400/P1040220.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Another of my co-supervisor is Dr Todd from Marine lab. It was the first time he visited Chek Jawa!<br /><br />Thank you supervisors for being willing to guide, lead, support and encourage me through various ways. Thanks for the great ideas and also for being there when I felt lost and helpless. I might not be the best researcher but I hope my hardwork will make you all proud of me. I have learnt a lot of skills and experiences under you all. They are really useful and invaluable. Thanks for this great journey.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-sh2V0wuXI/AAAAAAAADac/fp_sqkuX_CM/s1600-h/ria.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182273013674981746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-sh2V0wuXI/AAAAAAAADac/fp_sqkuX_CM/s400/ria.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Though not my supervisor, Ria has been significant in my project. She was the one who introduced me to Siva when I thought of working on the mass death at Chek Jawa. Later, she supported me through various many ways. She is also always available to come down frequently to do the monitoring work and even transect work herself. That's really very impressive! She also provided a lot of photos and anecdotal observations of CJ, updating me whenever Johor floods, bringing food and canned drinks for all the volunteers etc etc etc. Thank you Ria!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-sh110wuUI/AAAAAAAADaE/SETMicb1nlU/s1600-h/_DSC8368m6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182273005085047106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-sh110wuUI/AAAAAAAADaE/SETMicb1nlU/s400/_DSC8368m6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Another important group of people that I must thank are every single individual that helped me before at my field trips :-)<br /><br />I am total amazed at how many people that have helped me before! Without volunteers, I can't possibly do this project. I hope you enjoyed working at Chek Jawa. Thank you everyone who helped me before.<br /><br />Especially want to thank those who helped me not only once, but twice or more. They are Yijun, Pei Hao, Yuchen, Yujie, Raymond, Siyang, Bingquan, Yilin, Robyn, Robert, Liana, July, Yikang, Khairul, Geraldine, Kian Wah, Shuyi, Gerald, Alex, Sam, Nicholas, Gun Kiat and of course Ron.<br /><br />Would like to thank Yikang and Siyang extra more for being there even during recce trips where we had to cycle up and down from jetty to CJ. Those were the days. We had to wait for an hour long for the boat. Both of you have really ease my project load a lot. Without partnering help like yours, I would have collapsed working alone. Haha.<br /><br />I would also like to thank the NUS marine (Angie) and eco lab (Tommy) for the equipments. Especially grateful to Ewen for being there and willing to help me with statistics. Also to thank Prof Matthias Roth, Dr Lim Han She and Prof Wong Poh Poh from Geography Department for all the help with regards to the physical aspect of my project. Thanks Dr Daphne Fautin for your great advice on anemones, Joseph Lai for the GPS points from 2001, Zeehan for the photos from previous transects, Cynthia for sharing your project and ideas on salinity, Siti for giving invaluable help regarding how to design a transect sampling method and many others whom I've forgotten to acknowledge. Thank you Uncle Chu for being at all times to fetch us to and fro at Ubin. Your humility impresses me.<br /><br />Thank you Nparks for allowing me to work at this great place, Chek Jawa. Thank you Choon Beng and Adelle for bridging help along the way at Ubin. Still remember during the earlier days where Choon Beng has to prepare a bicycle the night before so I can use it early next morning for dawn trips. Thank you NUS for this UROPs opportunity. Thanks for the publicities on my project, it gave me a little fame. More importantly, it gave Chek Jawa more attention, horray!<br /><br />There's simply too many to thank from a blessed heart. Haha. Sorry if I missed out any. But I must also thank my family for unceasingly helping me prepare for trips in terms of logistics and also washing all the sandy and dirty equipment when I come back.<br /><br />Last but definitely not the least, thank God for being the provider of everything. Thank you for being so real in this period. You have showered so much blessing onto my project, positioning people to help me, ensuring there is no rain in every monitoring or transect session irregardless if its the monsoon season or not. You are truly wonderful!<br /><br />I sounded like as if this is really the end. Its NOT. Haha. Should be preparing to submit this for a journal, after examinations. Also, Yikang's substrate studies is still ongoing. Hopefully, some people will continue related works in the future after me. Continue to hear more from this blog.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771645741067268725.post-39596258154350082772008-03-25T10:48:00.002+08:002008-03-25T10:57:55.531+08:00NUS advertorial featuring my project<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-hpy10wuQI/AAAAAAAADZk/xJXFZdNnFMk/s1600-h/SAVE0099+(Custom).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181507693452507394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-hpy10wuQI/AAAAAAAADZk/xJXFZdNnFMk/s400/SAVE0099+(Custom).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The Straits Time, 25 March 2008<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-hpzV0wuRI/AAAAAAAADZs/7JcVDWT7lYs/s1600-h/Copy+of+SAVE0099+(Custom).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181507702042442002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_9jTkGowIILg/R-hpzV0wuRI/AAAAAAAADZs/7JcVDWT7lYs/s400/Copy+of+SAVE0099+(Custom).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thanks Siva for recommending me to be featured.Kok Shenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380103046957038325noreply@blogger.com2