eaweek 2008

Although there is one vast ocean, we in Aotearoa must take responsibility for caring, nurturing and guarding the wellbeing of the special and diverse values of Tangaroa's progeny here on our shores and Seaweek will provide that focus.
eaweek Aims
The aims of Seaweek include raising awareness of the coast and ocean and encouraging all New Zealanders to help look after their local marine areas.  Seaweek has become a time when New Zealanders not only celebrate the sea, but also get involved in activities that promote the health of our ocean.

eaweek 2008’s feature creature

This year’s emblem was the blue penguin or kororā.
Why?

Like many of our common coastal animals blue penguins seem abundant. People out on the water often see these little birds paddling along the surface; home owners by the sea complain of the clamour and mess of nesting birds beneath their floorboards.
But appearances are deceiving. Blue penguin numbers and their range are declining and the Department of Conservation now ranks them as “near threatened”.  Rats, ferrets, stoats, cats and dogs arevery efficient killers of penguins, blues in particular, because of their size. Coastal fishing and pollution also contribute to the blue’s plight.
One ocean – it starts with me
It’s important for all of us to come up with ways to make the lives of blue penguins and other marine creatures safe. These can be as simple as always making sure your dog’s on a leash if there are penguins around to keeping a good watch if you take your 4-wheel drive on the beach.

Even people who don’t live near the sea can make an impact. Say no to plastic bags - 60-80% of all rubbish found in the ocean is land-based.

Help protect our streams, harbours and seas from pollution - don't throw or pour anything in the gutter or in outside drains.
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Paige Hareb, currently ranked No2 Junior Women's Pro Surfer in the world keeps a blog on http://www.stuff.co.nz/blogs/paigehareb. Check it out. Paige is Taranaki-based and the home province is cranking up a storm of activities for sea week. Conservation actions, novice surfing lessons, school activities, scientific lectures and more more more. Click here to download the Taranaki Sea Week brochure  (380Kb PDF)
What's Happening?  Well you might ask. Planning for Seaweek 2009 is coming along beautifully so keep this site in your sights! (Hint: hit Ctrl/d to bookmark seaweek.org.nz now.) For a look at some of the events which took place for Seaweek 2008, follow this link >>>>>[more... South Shore Spit - Canterbury Join the ceremony to farewell the eastern bar tailed godwits followed with a guided tour to view the birds. See these wonderful jet setters before they migrate back to Alaska and Siberia on Sunday 9th March 2008. [more...]
Get out there Make contact with your local Department of Conservation office or Regional Council and find out what’s going on in your patch for Seaweek 2008   eaweek Coordinators
ponsors (click on logos for sponsor's sites)
Media Sponsor

National Associates
  

Blue Flag NZ