Term 1, 2010

Oromahoe School's room 4 participated in the EMR programme in term 1, 2010 with the support of the Lion Foundation. Nicki first visited students in the classroom to prepare them for the snorkeling and marine investigation programme ahead. The local Oromahoe - Waitangi catchment was described from the mountains to the sea with a focus on how activites on the land effect the marine environment. Fishing regulations and marine reserves were discussed. Many students had a close relationship with the sea - especially around collecting kaimoana!

The next step was to visit Matauri Bay for some snorkeling action! Large schools of juvenille trevally were present along with large kina barren areas. There were 15 parents present - "I remember what this place was like when I was a kid... pretty different now" one parent told his buddy group. A lot of rubbish was found on the small pebbly beach. Students ranked Matauri Bay as 7/10 in healthiness of the marine environment. Matauri Bay Holiday Park allowed us to use thier toilets too - Thanks!

The unprotected waters and rocky reef of Matauri Bay was then compared with a site a bit further south - the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. Dive! Tutukaka's Perfect Day carried the 17 adults and 27 students to the islands which have been surrounded in a marine reserve since 1998. "This place is outstanding, I have never seen so many fish in my life" a parent commented. It was a fantastic day with the Poor Knights putting on it's usual wonderful show of marine biodiversity. Students rated the Poor Knights a 10/10 for it's waters health and abundance.

Oromahoe students have taken these experiences back home to develop action plans for the marine environment - Watch this space to see what they come up with.

For more information on Oromahoe School's EMR programme please contact thier coordinator - nicki@emr.org.nz