Marine biologist Sam Shu Qin is using creative programs to raise awareness about Singapore’s underwater ecosystems.
After years of helping restore Singapore’s coral reefs and clearing marine litter, marine biologist Sam Shu Qin is now focusing on bringing the nation’s rich marine life to the heartland. Through her non-profit group, Our Blue Spaces, established in March 2024, Sam plans to make Singapore’s underwater wonders more accessible to those unable to visit the Southern Islands, including the Sisters’ Islands and Lazarus Island.
Sam, 35, hopes to engage people with innovative programs such as “coral and cocktail” educational talks, marine-themed escape room games, and dive expeditions. These programs aim to introduce Singaporeans to the biodiversity of their waters, despite the murkiness of the sea. The country is home to over 100 species of reef fish, about 200 species of sea sponges, as well as rare and endangered creatures like seahorses and giant clams.
Her initiative comes as part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts in marine conservation, which include the reopening of the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park and the country’s first seagrass restoration project. Additionally, there are plans to establish a second marine park around Lazarus Island and Kusu Island. Sam is also involved in the Friends of Marine Park community, advocating for marine conservation in this area.
Despite the country’s relatively small reef area, Sam has been instrumental in the restoration and conservation efforts, which are crucial due to the loss of 60% of Singapore’s reefs to land reclamation. Along with other initiatives, a coral planting effort aims to restore 100,000 coral fragments in damaged reef areas.
Sam also hopes to inspire young people to think critically about the challenges faced by marine environments in Singapore, including balancing conservation with development, particularly when proposed projects could impact marine habitats. She plans to set up a youth arm within the Friends of Marine Park community to nurture future marine custodians.
Previously, Sam co-founded Our Singapore Reefs, which focuses on cleaning coral reefs and raising awareness about marine biodiversity. The group has removed over 11,000 pieces of marine litter from the reefs since 2017, working with volunteers and partners like One°15 Marina to maintain coral gardens.
Through Our Blue Spaces, Sam hopes to partner with organizations beyond Singapore, including in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, to restore coral reefs and foster ecotourism in these regions. She also brings her passion for marine conservation into the classroom as an instructor at NUS College.
With a background in coral research from the NUS Tropical Marine Science Institute, Sam’s dedication is rooted in her personal experiences. During the 2016 mass bleaching event, she witnessed the devastation caused by warming sea temperatures, which spurred her to continue advocating for the protection of coral reefs and marine life.
Her efforts go beyond scientific work, with Sam taking marine lessons to various communities, making marine education accessible to all, including older adults and younger people who may be excluded from traditional conservation programs.
