Hauraki Gulf celebrated as SeaWeek kicks off

SeaWeek kicked off today with the launch of a new interactive display on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park at SEALIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage opened the exhibit which brings to life stories about New Zealand’s only “national park of the sea”. Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers an area of more than 1.2 million hectares and includes 50 islands. It lies on the east coast of the Auckland and Waikato regions, and includes the Waitemata Harbour, Firth of Thames and eastern coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula.

“Opening the display today is a great chance to highlight the theme of SeaWeek 2019 - Tiakina o Tatou Moana – Care for our Seas,” Eugenie Sage said.

“This new display will connect the more than 360,000 visitors to the aquarium in a year with the park’s diverse marine life and conservation islands.

“The display includes stories of conservation work that is transforming Gulf islands into pest-free sanctuaries for endangered native birds, reptiles and insects, all thanks to the efforts of agencies, iwi, community groups and dedicated individuals.

“One quarter of the world’s 88 whale and dolphin species visit Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf waters every year. The marine park is also a global seabird hotspot, with more than 26 species making it their home.

“Marine turtles are one of the many marine species that are vulnerable to plastic litter in the sea. Kelly Tarlton’s and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have been working together for more than 18 years to rescue and rehabilitate turtles found stranded around the New Zealand coast. Most stranded turtles are suffering from dehydration, starvation, thermal shocks and, increasingly, plastic ingestion.”

Kelly Tarlton’s is the only aquarium in New Zealand permitted to hold and release sea turtles. Four of the turtles it currently holds are ready for release into the wild, and another three are in rehabilitation.

SeaWeek runs until Sunday March 9. Co-ordinated by the NZ Association of Environmental Education, the more than 200 SeaWeek activities this year will highlight the impact of plastic, litter and other pollutants on our coasts and seas.

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