National Marine and Freshwater Education Wananga – Conference 2010
Theme - Mountains to Sea – Collaboration for conservation of our marine and freshwater environments in schools and communities.
Purpose
An inspirational professional development and networking opport...
"Manaia View School experience new marine reserve at Reotahi"
Rooms 3,4 and 16 from Manaia View School have been gaining first hand experience in the marine environment this term by participating in the 'Experiencing Marine Reserves' (EMR) programme. They were introduced to marine biodiversity and marine conservation issues in the classroom before investigating their local marine environment at Reotahi. Reotahi is part of the Whangarei harbour marine reserve, which is set to be formally established in June 2006.
The students saw an array of marine life at Reotahi including finger and encrusting sponges, spotties, eaglerays, parore, sprats and mullet as well as lush seaweed habitat. The students and assisting parents then journeyed down to Leigh where they experienced New Zealand's first marine reserve - 'The Cape Rodney to Okakari Point' or "Leigh - Goat Island' marine reserve, which was established in 1975.
An amazing abundance and diversity of marine life was encountered at the reserve and the students found it very different to the snorkel at their local area, Reotahi. The students learnt that marine reserves are great places to study marine life and produce many benefits for both people and the marine environment. Inspired by their experience, and now more aware of their local marine issues, the students have produced some wonderful work explaining their EMR experience and are looking forward to the establishment of the Whangarei harbour marine reserve.
As part of the EMR programme, one deserving student from Manaia View School will win a free trip to the Poor Knights Island marine reserve aboard the Dive! Tutukaka charter boat on the 17th of May. The Poor Knights Island marine reserve was established in 1981 making it New Zealand's second marine reserve. The unique environment at these islands attracts thousands of visitors every year and the winning students can look forward to an awesome day of marine discovery. EMR founder and national coordinator; Samara Sutherland and Northland EMR coordinator Kim Boyle will also be on the trip along with a celebrity; Bruce Hopkins who has featured as 'Larry' on NZ movie Jubilee and Gamling, trusted advisor to King Theoden of Rohan on the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He has also featured on Xena and Hercules. It is set to be a fantastic day.
The winnrer for the Poor Knights competition was Sheldon Radonavich.
