Seaweek 2008 is on its way

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Seaweek will focus on ways everyone can be involved in protecting the marine environment.

25 February 2008

Seaweek 2008 is on its way

The first week of March marks the 21st anniversary of Seaweek and this year’s theme is ‘One Ocean - It starts with me;’ focussing on ways everyone can be involved in protecting the marine environment.

What began as an art competition with a marine theme in 1987 has now grown to become a national event when New Zealanders come together to celebrate the marine environment.

The Minister of Conservation, the Hon Steve Chadwick, will launch Seaweek 2008 when she attends an innovative and ground breaking theatre production, “Perils of the Deep Blue Sea’ in Auckland featuring a juvenile Maui’s dolphin.

And according to DOC’s national campaign manager, Anastasia Turnbull, this is just one example of a range of exciting events taking place throughout Seaweek 2008.

“Seaweek 2008 is going to be a fantastic, week-long celebration with a huge range of activities planned across the country,” said Ms Turnbull.

“Wanganui has developed a calendar of events with something for everyone including a ‘Fun by the Sea’ family day; a showcase of sea inspired work and an Activity Day at Manawatu estuary.

“And in the Far North a marine conservation roadshow featuring stunning footage of the ocean and anecdotes of marine conservation will be touring the region,” said Ms Turnbull.

With its ‘One Ocean - It starts with me;’ theme, Seaweek 2008 is encouraging personal involvement and responsibility for marine conservation. And according to Ms Turnbull there are many ways that everyone can be a part of helping to care for New Zealand’s precious marine environment.

“Actions can be as simple as picking up rubbish on the beach or thinking about what is poured down the drain, as plastics, rubbish and chemicals entering the sea can all negatively affect marine life.

“By following even a few simple practises all New Zealanders can be involved in helping to protect our unique marine creatures and environments,” Said Ms Turnbull.

Seaweek is led nationally by the New Zealand Association of Environmental Educators (NZAEE) and has a number of partners including the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Fisheries, St Kilda Trust and the Ministry for the Environment. Planning is already well underway with a number of events due to take place around the country.

Seaweek events will be promoted through the media and on the website http://www.seaweek.org.nz/event_listing.htm.

ENDS

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