Abandoned nets at Pulau Ubin (15 Sep 2018)

15 Sep 2018 - With Nature Society Singapore and Restore Ubin Mangrove Initiative, a group of passionate volunteers took part in the International Coastal Clean-up Singapore which took place at Pulau Ubin (Kampong Durian).  On this special day, many people around the world were also doing coastal clean up.  This site was designated for mangroves restoration.

When we arrived, a small group of us spring into action in search for abandoned nets which were seen during the last round but did not have sufficient time to remove them.  On the high shores,  there were no nets found as there were some contractors who were there before us and had help to remove 2 bags of nets together with many other debris. (No Photos).  As we comb around the surrounding, we chanced upon a net, it was entangled and well camouflage with seaweed.

More photos...we need to act fast as tide was rising.

We found some monofilament nets together with some nylon rope nets. We cut the nets up and separated them into a few bags as they were rather heavy.

Good news, there were no marine critters that were trapped in the nets collected.  Thanks to all volunteers who had contributed their time and endless efforts in helping to maintain our shores.

Abandoned net at Pulau Seduku (17 Jun 2018)

During a routine survey trip at Pulau Seduku, a small team chanced upon a half buried abandoned drift net. It was badly entangled and well camouflage with seaweed and one would have mistaken it for a chunk of seaweed washed up to shore.

While sorting out the net, we found a few thunder crabs. We wasted no time to have the crabs freed as tide was rising. They were badly entangled with the monofilament net.

A close up shot on how badly the crabs were entangled in the net.

Another shot...

The crabs were aggressive and kept wanting to strike back when we try to set them free. On the other hand, we were trying to be careful not to break any of their pincers and legs.

More photos of team helping to remove the net.

Throughout this episode,  we rescued a total of 3 thunder crabs a sea cucumber and good news was no pincers and legs were broken from these crabs. As the net was half buried and long, we decided to remove only those that were exposed and leaving behind the rest that are still buried.  Abandoned nets or ghost nets are a hazard to marine life as they kill after they are lost.

Thanks to the team who have helped out in this project and big thanks to Lisa Lim, Chong Siew Men and Adriane Lee for their photo contribution to this blog post.

Some abandoned net at Kranji (Jan 2018)

Some abandoned fish net trapped a few horseshoe crabs at Kranji Reservoir Park.

It didn't take us long to remove the nets. If only those who used the net just took the few extra steps and a few minutes to dispose of the net properly. Then animals will not be constantly trapped in the net.