Experiencing Marine Reserves

20
May

This May (the 18th), the Experiencing Marine Reserve (EMR) team headed out on their 9th annual trip to the Poor Knights marine reserve, starting with only three students from three schools in 2002 this year the competition involved 17 schools from Northland and Auckland. The trip was attended by 29 students and 31 parents, guardians and EMR coordinators

Dive! Tutukaka have been the annual sponsors for the trip for top achieving students that participate in EMR from northland. The competition motivates students to use what they have learnt about marine conservation to inspire their community via projects and actions. Students are selected based on the enthusiasm and effort shown during the EMR programme, receiving a snorkelling trip to the world reknowned Poor Knights Islands. 

On the day, a bevy of excited parents and even more excited children boarded the launch a ‘Perfect Day’ at the start of what turned out to be a spectacular trip to the Poor Knights marine reserve on Tuesday. After a karakia to bless the journey, we were ready to go. With salt wind in their hair, the kids took turns propped at the bow of the launch under a brilliant blue sky. Luke Howe the skipper provided an informative commentary about the history, geography and biodiversity of the marine reserve we were about to encounter as the islands grew closer and closer on the horizon.

At the first site of anchor, we were greeted by emerald green waters and squeals of delight. The Dive! Tutukaka crew and EMR coordinators Kim Jones (nee Boyle), Nicki Wakefield and Samara Nicholas helped everyone into their bright yellow ‘Wettie’ wetsuits. While there was some hesitation at first, it was not long before all the kids were snorkeling like little professionals. We were quickly engrossed with the underwater world before us. Amongst waving fronds of olive coloured seaweed and little Damoiselle fish I could see the fins of excited kids leave me in a wake of bubbles as they pulled their parents to investigate different parts of the reserve. Some even went to explore a small opening in the cliff wall which fanned out into a spectacular underwater seacave. Looking out towards the ocean was a stunning sight to behold with shafts of sunlight spilling out against the turquoise sea that framed dark silhouettes of divers and darting fish. All too soon, the ship honked and it was time to get back on board. I surfaced to a horde of breathless and excited kids chattering away about the various sealife they had seen, one had even spotted an eagle ray hiding in the shadows. We then sailed towards the Blue Maomao arch, hailed as one of the best diving spots in the world by diving pioneer Jacques Costeau. We followed schools of snapper, blue maomao and kingfish into the spectacular sea arch while some chose to kayak around the waters.

When it was time to pull up anchor, it was hard to pull myself away from the waters. Luke then took us on a tour around the Poor Knights, cruising around some spectacular surf beaten cliffs and the southern hemispheres highest sea arch towering at over 30 m. The most impressive oceanic encounter was yet to come. As we pulled into Rikoriko cave, hailed as the largest sea cave in the world, all aboard were awed into silence by the cavernous interior which quickly inspired many to bounce their voices off the walls. As we inched closer towards the end of the cave, an enveloping stench knocked us over. In disbelief, we look at the shimmering white mass floating in front of us, the hulking 15m abdomen of a dead sperm whale. The day could not have been more spectacular and bizarre.

The trip home was studded with animated recounts of what the children had seen. Many more were inspired by the encounter to continue supporting marine reserves.

Many thanks to the awesome crew from Dive! Tutukaka who created an unforgettable trip.

Written from the view of Ting Yiu - EMR volunteer

For more information

Experiencing Marine Reserves

Participating Schools
Kerikeri Primary Eve Robson-Clark, Springbank School Meg Murray, Megan Bramley Kaikohe West School Sandy Whare , Onerahi Primary School Taylor Ball, Matariki Moetara, Mahurangi College Beth Docking, Kathryn Hudson. Raurimu Avenue School Darren Prime, Rayna Dangen Kamo Primary Meegan Soulsby, Ashley Couling, Maea Shepherd, Lochiel Espiner, Ashley Allbon, Churchill Parks Abby McGeorge Kura Kaupapa Maori O Te Rangi Aniwaniwa, Rangiwewehi Fletcher, Raninikura Waitai – Henare, Dargaville Intermediate Jessica McLean, Naomi Peti, Tahlia Rogers Brown, Nathan Stirling, Ashleigh Yates, Reagan Wakeling, Caitlin Kumar,  Oromahoe Bjorn Aslund Pamapuria Nina Griffiths, Peria Shania Panther, Bream Bay College Moengaroa Kailahi