Coastal funding round open
 

22 July 2008

Another $180,000 is now available for coastal enhancement projects in the Auckland region.

This latest round of funding from the ARC’s Coastal Enhancement Fund is in addition to $257,000 worth of grants already awarded this year.

ARC Land and Water Team Leader Alexandra Wilson encourages organisations and incorporated societies to apply if their projects involve:

Safety and navigation improvements
Environmental enhancement, or
Public works and infrastructure in the coastal marine area.

The ARC’s Coastal Enhancement Fund allocates revenue from seabed and license fees collected from three marinas (Halfmoon Bay, Westpark and the Buckland's Beach Yacht Club).

The nine coastal enhancement projects that have benefited this year include a $54,800 grant for a University of Auckland study into the behaviour and movements of the Brydes Whales.  It is hoped the research will help reduce whale deaths associated with vessel strikes.

The Clean Marinas Programme, run by the New Zealand Marine Operators Association, received an $11,660 grant for education materials.

Coastguard Northern Region was given a $30,600 grant for boating education courses for new boat owners, and the Coastguard Boating Education Service was awarded $22,100 to run Day Skipper Experience courses for intermediate and secondary school students.

The fund has supported a variety of projects such as sewage pump-out facilities, navigational aids, removal of derelict structures, supporting groups engaged in water safety, education, and beach clean-ups.

The ARC’s Environmental Management Committee chair, Dianne Glenn, says the ARC is pleased to be able to assist worthwhile projects that improve the region’s access and enjoyment of the Coastal Marine Area.

“It’s encouraging to know there are so many people who are keen to enhance Auckland’s Coastal Marine Area, and it is encouraging to be able to support such worthwhile projects,” she says.

Applications for the latest funding round close on August 29.

ENDS

© Scoop Media