Photo Gallery for Marine Reserves 2019

Andrew and the ambassadors listen as Ben Knight answers another question on this morning's web conference. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Ben Knight explains to our school group the how and why of the litter survey. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

First, an area for the litter survey needs to be measured out. Why is it important for this area to be the same for each survey? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Next, the litter survey begins! Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

The students had to keep their eyes peeled for litter that was hiding amongst shells and driftwood on Paraparaumu Beach. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Smiles show how taking action for our marine environment can be a fun activity. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ

It was quite surprising how much litter we collected on what seemed like a clean part of the beach. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Next, students sorted all the litter into different groups of similar items. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

The final step is to count and weigh each litter group and enter the data into the Letter Project app. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

We have wonderful marine environments in Aotearoa New Zealand. Get out and enjoy them! Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Andrew and the ambassadors with Ben Knight on this morning's web conference. Image: Shelley Hersey, LEARNZ.

Andrew and the ambassadors with Nicole Miller at Waikanae Estuary. Image: Shelley Hersey, LEARNZ.

Ben talks to the students about what they might find during their Marine Metre Squared survey. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Equipment you will need for your Marine Metre Squared survey. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

A shore guide is useful to help you identify plants and animals. You will also need a data sheet to record your surveys. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Part of a shore guide from the University of Otago Marine Studies Centre. There are different guides available for north and south, as well as rocky and muddy/sandy shores. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Some of the homeschool students with their quadrat. Why is only a metre square used for the survey? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

The students sieve out the sand to reveal what they have found from the core sample. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

The first biosecurity check before boarding the ferry to Kāpiti Island. Why are biosecurity checks important? What sorts of things are they looking for? Image: Shelley Hersey, LEARNZ.

Kāpiti Island Nature Tours have some serious machines to get you on the water and over to the island! Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Ben Knight and Andrew with the ambassadors on this morning's web conference. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Andrew with Manaaki Barrett from Kāpiti Island Nature Tours. Image: Shelley Hersey, LEARNZ.

When these yellow markers line up, what do you think they tell you? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Andrew and Ben give the OK signal before heading out into the reserve for a snorkel. Image: Shelley Hersey, LEARNZ.

The first fish seen were these cute little tripplefins. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

This banded wrasse stood out against the brightly coloured sea lettuce. I wonder if you can eat sea lettuce. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Ben dives down for a closer look. What helps him to sink down? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

A snapper lurks in the murky shadows. Do you think there are others nearby? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

The palette of colours these seaweeds provide is awesome. Ideas for an art project anyone? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

These spottys weren't camera shy at all! Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Andrew and the ambassadors at Kerikeri Airport. Image: Karren Penny.

Looking down over Takapuna Beach, Auckland. Check out DOC's marine reserves map to see what marine reserves are near Auckland - https://www.doc.govt.nz/marine-reserves-map. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Looking over the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland City. What impacts might large cities such as Auckland have on the marine environment? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

I grew up fishing on the Manukau Harbour. I have learned a lot about marine conservation from my involvement in fishing. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Looking back up the west coast towards the Manukau Heads and Whatipu. Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

We flew almost directly over New Plymouth/Ngāmotu. Do you know the name of the marine reserve near this part of the coast? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

We had a good view of the Marlborough Sounds before landing at Wellington. Are there any marine reserves in the Marlborough Sounds? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

A view of some Wellington coastline just before landing. What marine species might you find living here? Image: Andrew Penny, LEARNZ.

Here we are at Paraparaumu Beach. Kāpiti Island is right behind us. Image: Shelley Hersey, LEARNZ.