Imagine snorkeling amongst a dense kelp forest, surrounded by dozens of fascinating new life forms, a frenzy is created on top of the water, someone has spotted a crayfish, everyone is taking turns to dive under to get a glimpse of a Cray crouching under a ledge. Students come up gasping for breath, but feel rest assured by their adult, buddy and bright yellow body board for time out. Some large snapper cruise past to see what the fuss is about. Gurgle sounds come from a snorkel, an eagle ray rests on the sand below. The kids are easy to spot in their bright yellow & black wetsuits. The parents come in buzzing, the kids madly tell their mates about how big the snapper they saw was and how many different fish they saw, this is normal conversation during Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme delivery.
The EMR programme has been operational in Northland since 2002 and available to other parts of New Zealand since 2004.The programme has produced a manual & interactive educational resources (CD ROM, DVD’s & website www.emr.org.nz) featuring information and images about marine biodiversity and conservation. These resources are available on request. Although our resources and planning are vital we believe the human element, the dedication, enthusiasm and total commitment to conservation and education that EMR coordinators bring to the delivery are the programmes greatest asset and the key to success.
Experiencing Marine Reserves programme 
