Coral Reefs of Singapore's Urbanised Sea

About this book

This book highlights how Singapore's coral reef system is responding to changing environmental conditions caused by urbanisation and climate change. It provides a fundamental understanding of how reefs respond to decades of chronic urbanisation impacts and episodic marine heatwave events, with studies revealing responses at molecular, cellular, organismal, and community levels. Knowing what drives the persistence of coral-dominated reefs through urbanisation and global warming impacts will contribute to the formulation of effective conservation strategies.

The chapters cover topics such as the impacts of sedimentation on coral communities, the energetic needs of corals in extreme environments, and the diversity of Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates. Readers will discover insights into the resilience of coral reefs, the role of microbiomes, and the thriving coral reef fishes in Singapore's urban reef system. This literature invites readers to think through critical questions about conservation status and biological connectivity in urbanised seascapes. Contributions from distinguished scholars and practitioners provide expert insights into theoretical frameworks and practical case studies, addressing topics such as the impacts of climate change, the persistence of coral-dominated reefs in the face of substantial losses and bleaching events, and strategies for management and reef restoration initiatives.

Researchers, ecologists, and reef managers will find this book invaluable. It offers a comprehensive analysis of Singapore's coral reefs, making it essential for anyone interested in marine conservation, urban ecology, and sustainable development. This volume is a crucial resource for understanding and managing coral reef resilience in the face of urbanisation and climate change. Scholars, students, and practitioners in marine biology, environmental science, and urban planning will benefit from the insights and strategies presented. As governments seek to fulfil obligations to COP and UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, this book provides the scientific foundation needed to guide effective conservation measures in tropical coastal cities.

Contents

Chapter 1. Coral reefs of Singapore
Chapter 2. Reefs in Singapore's murky waters
Chapter 3. Impacts of sedimentation on coral communities
Chapter 4. Energetic needs of corals living in Singapore's extreme reef environment
Chapter 5. Coral recruitment potential on Singapore's urban reefs
Chapter 6. Diversity and assemblages of Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates in Singapore's coral reefs: A case study on giant clams (Tridacna squamosa and T. crocea)
Chapter 7. Microbiomes associated with benthic marine macroorganisms in Singapore
Chapter 8. Coral reef fishes thriving in the urban reef system of Singapore
Chapter 9. Long-term trends of coral biodiversity in Singapore
Chapter 10. Conservation status of corals in Singapore
Chapter 11. Biological connectivity and conservation of Singapore's urbanised seascape
Chapter 12. Community-based conservation of coral reefs in Singapore
Chapter 13. Integrated Urban Coastal Management in Singapore: Balancing sustainable use with conservation

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Biography

Dr Loke Ming Chou is Emeritus Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore. His 40 years of research focused on marine conservation and coral reef biology in Singapore and Southeast Asia. He is recognised for his leadership in the periodic compilation of Southeast Asia's reef status for the global reef status reports published by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) from 1998 to 2008. He is a Fellow of the Singapore National Academy of Science and an Honorary Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Biology. He received the "ASEAN Biodiversity Hero Award" from the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity in 2022 for his contributions to coral reef science.

Dr Danwei Huang is the Deputy Head of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore. He is also a Research Affiliate of the Tropical Marine Science Institute and Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions. His research integrates the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation, using the coral reef as a model system to address questions on biodiversity. His team aims to understand the origins, maintenance, and loss of marine biodiversity at the local, regional and global scales, to support coral reef restoration and integrated coastal management.