Marine NZ

Local reserve proves educational asset

04 Dec 2010 | 3 Comments

Over 200 students from Pompallier Collage and Kamo Intermediate experienced the Whangarei Harbour marine reserve site at Reotahi with the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme director Samara Nicholas recently.

Samara made some interesting observations compared to last seasons snorkeling within the reserve.  “A dwarf scorpion fish was found close to the shore in 1 metre of water and a butterfly perch was found in the water below the old freezing works. The eagle ray seem less bothered by the presence of snorkelers, last year they promptly swam off, but now they allow students to look from distance. Spotting plump grey mullet close to shore is almost a guarantee and just when I was losing hope, a seahorse was discovered by my buddy group”.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION INHERITS TAWHARANUI GEM

18 Oct 2010 | 2 Comments

By Roger Grace

The highly successful Tawharanui Marine Park is to become a Marine Reserve sometime this summer.  Hopefully the transition will be very smooth and the fish and crayfish will not notice a thing.  After the change becomes official, people will see new notices and the presence of DOC rangers from time to time.

Tawharanui Marine Park has been a no-fishing zone under special Fisheries Regulations since 1981.  The change to a Marine Reserve under the Marine Reserves Act 1971 will be little more than an administrative change since effectively the rules on the ground will be the same.  DOC is inheriting a ready-made marine reserve, since the “hard yards” of recolonisation has already occurred over nearly 30 years of protection.

Registrations now open for National Marine and Freshwater education wananga conference 2010

03 Aug 2010 | 0 Comments

To be held at Whakapaumahara Marae, Whananaki, Northland
Wednesday 6th – Saturday 9th October, 2010

Theme - Mountains to Sea – Collaboration for conservation of our marine and freshwater environments in schools and communities.

Highlight will be keynote address from Hone Taumaunu, to earn about a successful collaboration between Ngati Konohi and Department of Conservation to achieve marine conservation. What is the moana suite?
Other highlights:
• Hear presentations, meet and discuss with experts in marine and freshwater science, conservation and education.
• Learn about Project Twin Streams, an integrated community development approach. Keynote address from Tony Miguel.
• Find out about innovative new education for sustainability resources & projects.
• See the EMR and WBC programmes in action.
• Conference dinner with a difference!
• Snorkel the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve.
Download Registration and Programme details