THE Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) agrees with Dr Elizabeth Taylor that the study we have embarked on is time-consuming and difficult ("Acres launches dolphin research"; last Saturday).
However, the study on the wild dolphins in Singapore is essential and critical, as the data we are collecting is data we have not had for the past 50 years.
This data is vital in developing strategies to conserve and protect the dolphins in our waters.
We want to ensure that the dolphins we see in our waters today will remain there and continue to thrive in our waters for generations to come.
We are also currently studying the feasibility of wild dolphin-watching tours, which will be crucial in our efforts to heighten awareness and deepen appreciation for marine life and the marine ecosystem in Singapore.
We note the concerns about whether these tours are possible.
Based on our preliminary research, there appear to be significant sightings of the dolphins in our waters.
We agree with Dr Taylor's past comments ("Dolphins frolicking in S'pore's backyard"; Nov 15, 2014) of being
optimistic that the number of dolphins was healthy "as sightings of them are 'greatly' under-reported".
The report added that sightings of groups of adult dolphins with calves are common, and Dr Taylor
was quoted as saying that dolphins are an apex predator, and that this is an indication of the health of the marine environment.
Dr Taylor's colleague, Dr Tan Koh Siang, similarly stated in the same report that dolphin sightings were common.
While this appears promising, Acres is committed to exploring this proposed wild dolphin-watching tour idea in detail and to ensure that it is feasible before we consider launching it.
We thank Dr Taylor for her feedback, which we will use to improve our project.
Louis Ng
Chief Executive
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society
However, the study on the wild dolphins in Singapore is essential and critical, as the data we are collecting is data we have not had for the past 50 years.
This data is vital in developing strategies to conserve and protect the dolphins in our waters.
We want to ensure that the dolphins we see in our waters today will remain there and continue to thrive in our waters for generations to come.
We are also currently studying the feasibility of wild dolphin-watching tours, which will be crucial in our efforts to heighten awareness and deepen appreciation for marine life and the marine ecosystem in Singapore.
We note the concerns about whether these tours are possible.
Based on our preliminary research, there appear to be significant sightings of the dolphins in our waters.
We agree with Dr Taylor's past comments ("Dolphins frolicking in S'pore's backyard"; Nov 15, 2014) of being
optimistic that the number of dolphins was healthy "as sightings of them are 'greatly' under-reported".
The report added that sightings of groups of adult dolphins with calves are common, and Dr Taylor
was quoted as saying that dolphins are an apex predator, and that this is an indication of the health of the marine environment.
Dr Taylor's colleague, Dr Tan Koh Siang, similarly stated in the same report that dolphin sightings were common.
While this appears promising, Acres is committed to exploring this proposed wild dolphin-watching tour idea in detail and to ensure that it is feasible before we consider launching it.
We thank Dr Taylor for her feedback, which we will use to improve our project.
Louis Ng
Chief Executive
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society
