Lean Green Life-Saving Machines
How underwater grasslands keep fish and families healthy.
The author poses with a seagrass filefish while SCUBA diving in Singapore. Photo: Jeemee Goh
Hi! My name is Debby and I'm a graduate studies researcher at the Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions at the National University of Singapore. You're here because we were at the same place, at about the same time! That's very exciting, because this means that my work is for you. and the thousands of marine plants and animals that live in the place where you found the QR code that led you here.
Join me on this journey through a magical underwater grassland we call seagrass meadows. My work is to unravel the mysteries of how these luscious landscapes keep marine plants and animals alive and healthy. Marine health is important for you and me because whether its fishing, swimming, or simply sunbathing on the shore, to do so with peace of mind and tranquility (which you deserve!), we need a clean and healthy sea. Bookmark this site and visit it often to follow me through my research process. I'd also love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to reach out with your questions about marine life and marine health.
Not just water
Seawater is full of unseen life. Every time you get splashed by a wave, millions of tiny animals and microbes are washed over your body. It may sound icky, but not to worry, millions of people swim in our oceans everyday, but we aren't all getting sick. In fact, it's the unseen life, the "good bugs", that keep water clean and healthy.
Photo of seastar in seagrass meadow at Lazarus Island by Debby Ng.
The Good Bugs
Sea water is home to a diverse community of marine life. From tiny larval fish and crabs, to microscopic bacteria, and trillions of viruses. Most of these viruses feed on bacteria, not humans. This community of tiny animals and microbes are essential to maintaining healthy seas, the same way good bugs in your gut are needed to keep your tummy healthy.
Photo of microbes in a drop of seawater by David Liittschwager
Seagrasses the foundation of healthy seas
Scientists have found that coastlines with thriving seagrasses have less harmful microbes than bare shores . Coastlines without seagrass had higher levels microbes that can cause disease in corals (yes, corals can get sick!), fish, and humans. Whether you're a SCUBA diver who cares for our coral reefs, or someone who's passionate about food security and disease-free fish, we all ought to care about seagrasses.
Photo of seagrasses at Lazarus Island by Debby Ng.
Little Bugs Mean Big Business
We know that seagrasses are doing something amazing for the health of our seas, but are all seagrasses equal? Singapore has 12 different types of seagrass. What species of seagrasses do the best job of mopping up microbes? Singapore has lost 40 per cent of her original seagrass cover. Could replanting seagrasses restore the health of our seas? Just how much replanting would be needed? These are some questions that I'll investigate.
Video of spotted eagle ray in seagrass meadow at Lazarus Island by Debby Ng.
If you see us on the seashore doing our work, come by to say hello. I welcome your questions, and am happy to share about our work.
Low tides can occur late at night, or before daybreak. Adrian and Tze Kwan measure seagrass density in a meadow at the break of dawn. Photo: Debby Ng.
Aside from my research on microbes in seagrass meadows, I lead a community coral reef conservation and outreach program called the Hantu Blog . I am an active member of the Friends of the Marine Park - a ground-up initiative to promote stewardship and responsible use of Singapore's first and only marine park. Learn more about Singapore's southern islands here .
Thank you for being curious! I'll see you on our shores!
NParks Research Permit No.: NP/PR21-05
This could be you!
Join me in the field!
Protecting our seagrasses is a team effort! If you are curious, committed, responsible, and keen enjoy working outdoors, I invite you to join me as a volunteer on my seagrass missions!
You don't need experience, but you should be comfortable working outdoors for two hours at a stretch. Low tides often occur very early morning (3AM), or late at night (8PM). You must be at least 18 years old and be able to arrive at the field site independently. No special gear required, but you will need your own headlamp (no handheld torches!) and a pair of thick-soled water shoes . Upcoming field trips are listed below. We will meet either online or in person so that you can be briefed before we head out to the shore! I look forward to sharing our shores with you!
