A Marine Biologist Reflects on Educating the Next Generation About Responsible Interaction with Marine Wildlife
In a world where our island nation is growing both economically and in population, Singapore’s blue spaces—its oceans, shores, and marine ecosystems—are facing unprecedented threats from development and human activity. With exotic marine wildlife becoming more visible to the public, many people, especially children, may not know how to approach these creatures in a non-invasive, mindful manner.
Neo Mei Lin, a marine biologist and mother, shares her thoughts on educating the younger generation about responsible interaction with marine life. As a professional who often works with marine organisms, she has built up a wealth of experience handling and studying marine life over the last 15 years, conducting research on nearly 30 seashores within Singapore’s waters.
But being a parent has taught her even more about the importance of fostering an environmentally conscious mindset in children. In her commentary, Neo reflects on her experiences guiding field trips and how she imparts lessons on marine life, emphasizing respect, care, and the need to avoid disturbing wildlife.
She offers a personal story from her scuba-diving days in the Philippines, where she almost encountered a dangerous sea snake while distracted by taking photographs. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of our surroundings, whether above or below water, and of teaching children to always be respectful when interacting with the marine world.
For Neo and her daughter, the journey of environmental consciousness is ongoing, and she believes that it’s never too early or too late to start teaching children to engage with marine life in a way that’s safe, respectful, and mindful of its place in the ecosystem.
