The Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme has been operational in Northland, NZ since 2002 and available to other parts of New Zealand since 2004. It empowers schools by providing hands-on experience in the ocean. Students investigate marine biodiversity and the local marine environment before venturing to a fully-protected marine reserve. Students can then compare unprotected and protected areas and are encouraged to put their knowledge into action within the community.

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The Experiencing Marine Reserves partnership programme is coordinated by the Wellington Marine Conservation Trust, who operate the Marine Education Centre in Island Bay, Wellington, with support from the Poneke Area of the Department of Conservation, the Wellington City Council, Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, the Tindall Foundation, Oceanics NZ (who generously provided nice warm wetsuits) and the team from Splash Gordon Dive Centre.

March '08 News! The first Wellington based pilot programme running currently has students from Houghton Valley School involved in an amazing array of activities as part of the EMR programme.

From rockpool surveys using glass bottom buckets to teaching an entire class to snorkel (including teachers and parents), the programme will be extended to other schools from the wider Wellington region.

Students seen donning sponsored wetsuits generously provided by Oceanics.

Parents play a key part in the snorkelling activity!

Having learnt to snorkel in a pool, excitement builds as they set forth!

For more details on Experiencing Marine Reserves you can visit  
http://www.emr.org.nz

For details/bookings for the Wellington programme and for any other information please contact EMR Co-ordinator Claire Pascoe on (027) 306 1853 or email Matt Barnett at DOC, or phone him on (04) 472 5821.

Happy snorkellers from Houghton Valley School!

....subscribe by email and join this exciting initiative now! info@octopus.org.nz