Marine parks proposed for Sentosa Island development, Singapore

Kerzner-CapitaLand and Genting Group have each proposed over US$3.2billion for a resort on the island of Sentosa in Singapore. Each company is vying to develop the harbour front area of the island. However, each has opted to develop an marine park containing marine mammals among other sea life.

Kerzner-CapitaLand has proposed the "world's biggest aquarium" containing 24.2 million gallons of water which is to be stocked with 150,000 animals including beluga whales, manta rays and whale sharks. In addition, the company is proposing robotic plants and animals which will interact with visitors.

Similarly Genting is putting forward plans for an oceanarium built over 20 acres of land, more precise details are as yet unclear.

The Marine Connection is disappointed that such large aquaria have been proposed. Many of the animals, including the whale sharks, will come from the wild and this poses a danger not only to the animals being captured but their group and their haitat. As a dolphin and whale charity, we are particularly concerned that there are plans to incorporate animals such as beluga whales which are inherently unsuited to captivity considering their nature as an Arctic species which is specifically adapted to dive to over 400m and travel over hundreds of miles.

Kerzner-CapitaLand is suggesting using robotic animals and plants within their exhibits and the Marine Connection would suggest that only robotic animals should be used for a truly forward-thinking and conceptual resort. This will allow true education without any exploitation of the ocean and animals that the world is trying to protect.

Take Action!

Please write a polite letter to the people below expressing your concern that marine life parks are being proposed for Sentosa Island. Read the Marine Connection letter here.

Source: Bloomberg