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.