Beyond Lands End is a marine expedition organised by the Reef Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore (NUS), hosted by the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI), Universiti Sabah Malaysia (UMS) and partially funded by Singapore International Foundation (SIF).

This 18-day expedition was headed by Professor Chou Loke Ming and led by five staff and students from the Reef Ecology Laboratory and the Tropical Marine Science Institute. A total of 29 youths aged 20 to 29 from all walks of life participated in this. The volunteers were mainly undergraduates from NUS, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University who have a love for the sea. Most of them did not have any marine biology background prior to the expedition. However, with much enthusiasm and interest, they not only learnt coral reef survey methods, but also how to identify 20 families of fishes and over 10 groups of invertebrates in one short month prior to the expedition. A few volunteers obtained SCUBA diving certification just for the purpose of this expedition.

This marine expedition was aimed at surveying the coral reefs around Pulau Banggi, an island north of Sabah. These reefs are very important to the livelihood of the local communities there by providing them with a source of food as well as construction material. Due to a lack of understanding of the ecosystem and alternative livelihood, the reefs had been exploited. The surveys are meant to assess the condition of the reefs. The information will be useful for the formulation of management strategies.

The basecamp was located on Pulau Molleangean Besar, a small island with a population of about 50 people. Living conditions were basic. Volunteers stayed in the village community hall and in tents. In addition, a kitchen, toilets, equipment sheds, tables and benches were constructed by the team with basic building materials. The team experienced several strong storms and torrential downpours and survived through howling winds, leaking roofs and flooded tents in the middle of some nights. For many, this was their first time conducting reef surveys. Adding to the challenge were the sudden storms and strong currents out at sea. All these adventures and obstacles did not lower the morale of the group. Instead the group bonded strongly and not a day went past without plenty of laughter and jokes under the adverse weather conditions.

Weekends were spent interacting with the local community and understanding their way of life. This was done through friendly matches of soccer and volleyball as well as in assisting in a seaweed-farming project. Kite-making and colouring competitions were also conducted for the children to enhance understanding of the marine environment.

Participants agreed that this was indeed a memorable trip. They learnt more of marine conservation. More importantly, lasting friendships were established.

Koh Li Ling
Reef Ecology Study Team
2002