RESORTS World at Sentosa (RWS) launched on Friday a fund to sponsor research, education and conservation efforts related to marine life.

This is to further the marine conservation cause.

The RWS Marine Life Fund will give out up to S$100,000 each year in 2008 and 2009, and up to S$1 million each year from 2010 when the resort opens.

The fund is open to not only researchers and non-governmental organisations but also schoolchildren, in a bid to encourage and cultivate an interest for the oceans.

Twenty-five per cent of it will be set aside for kids working on school projects related to marine conservation.

There is no cap on the applied funding and projects could range from fieldwork to classroom models.

All applications will be assessed by a RWS committee which oversees the Fund.

However, an independent reviewer will be pulled in for the assessment should applications be for funding beyond $20,000.

To apply, log onto www.rwsentosa.com.

Shark fin

To reinforce its commitment to marine conservation and research, RWS will not offer shark fin on the menus of banquets and restaurants throughout the Resort.

Alternatives will be made available instead.

RWS is taking this step as it believes that the consumption of shark fin is currently unsustainable due to the declining shark population and growing demand for shark fin.

Its Communications Head Krist Boo, said: 'We believe we can make a difference. There are communities that have consumed shark meat and fins for generations and we respect that. What we are advocating is an end to mass consumption patterns that appear unsustainable for the shark population.'