Media Statement
Monday 21 April 2014

Oceans In The Spotlight

The marine environment will be in the spotlight at an ‘Election Year Oceans Forum’ at Kelly Tarlton’s SEALIFE Aquarium on April 27 from 10.30-12.30. A panel of non-governmental advocates and scientists will outline challenges facing our seas, and MPs from three main political parties will discuss what they’ll do in response.

Speakers include Associate Professor Liz Slooten from Otago University who is a marine mammal expert, and Dr Roger Grace, advocate of marine protection, plus representatives of Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd New Zealand. MPs include Andrew Williams from New Zealand First, Gareth Hughes from the Greens and Ruth Dyson, Labour.

“Oceans are the new frontier in both discovery and threats, they’re places of abundance and fragility” says Christine Rose, chair of Maui’s & Hector’s Dolphins Education Action, an organiser of the event. Phil McGowan of Kelly Tarlton’s SEALIFE Aquarium says “Kelly Tarltons has always been passionate about the sea and the marine life within it and we are thrilled to be able to offer the aquarium as central meeting point to discuss issues as important as these. This is important to all New Zealanders”.

“The Oceans should be on the agenda at election time, given the richness of our ecosystems and the importance of the sea in our culture and economy. By hosting this Forum we’re making sure the oceans get the attention they deserve” says Mrs Rose.

Entry is free but numbers are limited.

NOTES:

Maui’s & Hector’s Dolphins Education/Action is an Incorporated Society which seeks to improve the health and status of New Zealand’s endemic dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest marine dolphin.

© Scoop Media