Experiencing Marine Reserves

Snorkelling experiences for children and adults, and visits to marine reserves

EMR provides Taranaki schools and their communities with the expertise, knowledge and snorkel equipment to experience their local marine environment first-hand, fostering kaitiakitanga. Each year we work with one or two classes from four different schools in Taranaki. We have had a great reach around Taranaki Maunga connecting with a wide range of school communities e.g Mimi, Urenui, Waitara, New Plymouth, Coastal Taranaki, Auroa, Pātea and Inglewood (inland Makahu and Rātāpiko). Students are taught how to snorkel in the school pool with our EMR Coordinator. Once students are confident they practise their snorkelling skills at the beach this is supported by parents who are trained to be snorkel supervisors. An essential part of the EMR programme is a trip to either Goat Island or Wellington to snorkel in a Marine Reserve. Students can then make comparisons between protected and unprotected marine environments. This learning is supported by classroom learning which is teacher lead and supported by the EMR coordinator, following the snorkelling students then taking action to benefit the marine environment. The EMR coordinator leads at least two free Community Guided Snorkel Days each year where thepublic are invited to experience a marine environment. For the last two years, this has also included a pool snorkel trail in Hawera.