8 March 2010

Seaweek 2010 puts a spotlight on our marine world

New Zealanders will head to our beaches and marine reserves this week as thousands take part in Seaweek activities around the country.

Seaweek 2010 led by New Zealand Association for Environmental Education and supported by the Department of Conservation, runs from 7-14 March, and gives people opportunities to connect with the sea and learn about our ocean, its characteristics and the species living in it.

From tours of marine reserves and guided snorkelling trips to clean-ups and family days at the beach, the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand public will celebrate all things marine this week.

“This year’s theme is ‘Fish for the future - Tiakina ngā tupuranga whakaheke’, and it’s about raising awareness of the role of fish in healthy oceans,” says Sean Cooper, Department of Conservation Marine Conservation Manager.

“We are a maritime nation; New Zealanders enjoy the ocean in different ways so it’s important for us to learn how our actions affect the marine environment,” says Sean Cooper.

Around the country the Department of Conservation is organising activities to help people discover what’s special about our ocean and what they can do to make a difference.

“Small actions like picking up rubbish on the beach can go along way to protecting the health of our ocean and the species living it - which ultimately contributes to our wellbeing,” says Sean Cooper.

“New Zealand’s marine environment is fifteen times the size of its land mass. We are extremely lucky to have such a huge taonga around us, but with that privilege comes a responsibility to look after it for now and future generations,” says Sean Cooper.

Visit www.seaweek.org.nz, to be inspired, take action and enjoy New Zealand’s marine world during Seaweek 2010.

ENDS

Background information
Seaweek is about promoting our marine environment and species and encouraging everyone to do their bit to protect it for the future. Seaweek is led by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education with support from the Department of Conservation, Experiencing Marine Reserves, TVNZ 6, WWF New Zealand, ASB Community Trust, Aotearoa Fisheries Limited, New Zealand Marine Studies Centre and New Zealand Seafood Industry Council.

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