Marine trash sampling at Lim Chu Kang Mangrove on 20 January 2019 (Sunday)

Join us for the last sampling of marine trash at Lim Chu Kang mangrove! Data on both macro-debris (>5 mm) and microplastics (1 – 5 mm) would be collected from 9 quadrats (2.5 m by 2.5 m) in a systematic manner and supplies such as trash bags, sieves and gloves would be provided. Your participation would contribute valuable data to the NUS-NParks Marine Debris Monitoring Programme and would be used to establish the baseline data of marine trash in Singapore. Interested to find out more? Please refer to the webpage here: https://coastalcleanup.wordpress.com/nus‒nparks-marine-debris-monitoring-programme/

The sampling would be done at the beach and mangrove next to the Lim Chu Kang Jetty on 20 January 2019, Sunay, 2:30pm - 5:30pm. Participants could reach the site by a 50-60 minute bus ride on bus 975, from "opp Choa Chu Kang MRT station" (bus ID: 44531) and alight at "Police Coast Guard" (bus ID: 34009). More details of bus 975 could be found here: https://www.transitlink.com.sg/eservice/eguide/service_route.php?service=975

NOTE: Due to the nature of the programme and rough terrain, it is limited to participants aged 15 years old and above. As we need everyone to agree to the indemnity clauses and provide next-of-kin details, please do not sign up on behalf of others.

About the site: Lim Chu Kang mangrove is a mangrove area that has been recently protected. It is a precious patch of wetland located in the northwest of Singapore. Incoming trash from the Johor Strait is regularly deposited on the shoreline and affects the animals, plants and organisms of the habitat there.

Itinerary:

• 2:30pm (20 min) – Safety and procedure briefing. Apply insect repellent, and distribution of gloves and trash bags

• 2:50pm (10 min) – Set up of quadrats and allocate participants to quadrats

• 3:00pm (60 – 90 min) – Begin macro-debris and microplastics sampling; Categorisation, counting and data recording of macro-debris.

• 4:30pm (10 min) – End of sampling and data recording

• 4:40pm (30 min) – Coastal Cleanup; Transport of trash bags to Trash Disposal Point; Debrief

• 5:30pm – End of event; Participants to clean up/change their shoes as there are no public amenities in this area and feet/legs should be clean to enter the bus.

Things to note:

1. Expect ankle-deep mud.
2. You must wear hard-soled covered shoes or booties to protect your feet from hazards, else you won’t be able to participate in the sampling. Slippers and sandals are not allowed.
3. A change of clothes is recommended after a sweaty workout.
4. You must be clean to enter the bus – bring a plastic bag to contain shoes or cloth and extra water for washing off.
5. Long pants are recommended to protect your legs from insect bites.
6. We will continue the sampling in rain (bring rain gear) but cease if there is threat of lightning.
7. Cleanup supplies such as gloves, trash bags, and weighing scales will be provided.

Things to bring:

1. Water bottle with sufficient drinking water
2. Tap water (at least 500ml) for sieving of muddy substrate
3. Hat, sun block and/or insect repellent
4. Reusable raincoat/poncho (we will work in light rain)
5. Change of clothes for public transport (optional)

Be prepared:

1. Sleep early the night before
2. Have a decent lunch– It’s hard work!
3. Be punctual as the tide waits for no one!
4. Please read our advice to participants to prepare yourself for the sampling exercise!

Thank you for your interest and see you then!