Seas the chance of discovery

Counting seahorses and saving whales are just two among many activities held in Northland as part of Seaweek.

The opportunities to experience the undersea wonderland go beyond dates on a calendar. Seaweek, with the theme "Healthy seas - Healthy people", was from March 2 to 10 but many summer-long activities came under its banner in Northland - including the Surfs Up events held four times at Ahipara for disabled people.

Samara Nicholas, director of Experiencing Marine Reserves, said guided snorkel trips which are now a feature of every summer have been very successful this year.

"So far this summer a total of 494 people have taken advantage of the guided snorkel tours at Reotahi and Smugglers Cove.

"Our Whangarei Harbour marine reserve at Reotahi is a fantastic educational resource for our community, and the snorkel days are a great way for people to connect with the ocean.

"Every time we go for a snorkel we see something new. During a guided tour a huge octopus was discovered and photographed.

"This octopus was on the move and it wasn't long before it disappeared into the seaweed. They have the ability to change their body colour and texture so perfectly that they can virtually disappear."

The seahorse-a-thons are run in conjunction with the guided snorkel days. With the help of an experienced snorkel guide, registered participants race to seek out and photograph a seahorse.

The first to do so receives a prize package that includes a mask and snorkel set and marine ID book.

A seahorse discovery tour was held at Matai Bay in Far North last weekend with one coming up at Reotahi beach on Saturday during EMR's guided community snorkel day, from 10am to 3pm.

EMR also guides primary school snorkelling trips at locations including the Pataua estuary, has in-school programmes and holds education seminars.

Recently the group facilitated meetings on behalf of Northland Regional Council about the danger of Mediterranean fan worm and other pests becoming entrenched in Northland harbours.

Continuing Seaweek-related events include library displays, art exhibitions and marine biodiversity presentations, the latter can be arranged by request at schools and community groups over the next month, Ms Nicholas said.

See Saturday's feature section for a story about a whale rescue workshop held at Tutukaka last weekend.