We are using multiple tools to understand 1) how the presence of Sargassum influences biodiversity and coral recruitment on urbanised coral reefs, and 2) the spatial-temporal dynamics of Sargassum assemblages in Singapore. To address our first aim we have established six sites in Singapore where we are sea-weeding and not sea-weeding (control plots) a total of six plots (5m by 5m) biannually for several years. In each of these plots we have deployed mini autonomous reef monitoring structures (miniARMS) and settlement tiles to assess crypto fauna and coral recruitment, respectively. We are also collecting Sargassum individuals from each of our sites and using molecular tools (barcoding and metabarcoding) to identify the Sargassum species and the epibionts living on each species. In addition, we are collecting data on nutrients, light, temperature, and other environmental parameters quarterly from all six sites. To address our second aim we are performing benthic point transect surveys and Sargassum thallus length measurements biannually, while also assessing the site environmental data and Sargassum species identifications, to try to understand the potential reasons for Sargassum abundance at our different sites. 

This work involves a diverse team of researchers, government groups, citizen scientists, volunteers, curators, engineers, and students. The Sargassum biomass we collected from our sea-weeding was first used to assess its potential as a feedstock for growing microalgae.