27 February 2009 - Wellington

Synchronised spectacular celebrates Seaweek

The Frank Kitts Lagoon will be alive with sea creatures celebrating the start of Seaweek on Sunday.

Forest & Bird volunteers and the Wellington Synchronised Swimming Club will put on a marine creature-themed synchronised swimming display at the lagoon at 1pm on Sunday to kick-start a week of sea celebrations.

Forest & Bird Marine Conservation Advocate Kirstie Knowles says the display is a fun way of celebrating the marine environment – and the importance of looking after it.

“Wellington Harbour is literally central to our sense of being as Wellingtonians, so we wanted to celebrate how special our marine environment is.”

Seaweek is also a chance to remind people how they can help look after the ocean, she says.  To protect the marine environment people can:

·         Experience our marine life by going snorkelling, diving or rock pool exploring

·         Avoid driving on beaches and keep dogs on leads on beaches

·         Stop dumping things like paint or solvents into drains – they end up in the sea

·         Report suspicious activity to the Ministry of Fisheries (0800 4 POACHER) or DOC (0800 DOCHOT)

·         Join a coast care group or take part in a beach clean-up

·         Be careful not to drop litter on beaches or in the sea – it can harm marine life

·         Keep boat engines and hulls clean to prevent the spread of pests

·         Support marine reserves

The swim display will be followed by a Forest & Bird beach clean-up and barbecue starting at Tarakena Bay at 3pm – members of the public are welcome to join in.

Other Seaweek events, including opportunities to get in and under the water, will be held aorund the country from March 1-8.  For more information on events in your area go to: www.seaweek.org.nz.

·         Synchronised swimming postponement day is Wednesday, 4 March, 6pm, Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, Kilbirnie.

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