School and community groups throughout Otago are cleaning foreshores and learning about marine life this week, in recognition of Seaweek.
The national annual week co-ordinated by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) runs from March 3 to 11.
Seaweek is the only nationwide event dedicated to learning about the sea and developing a better understanding of marine sustainability.
The NZAEE event is in its 20th year.
National co-ordinator Dr Mels Barton said New Zealand relied on the sea for food, transport, trade, sport, recreation and tourism and the marine environment was under "serious threat". New Zealand could lose "what we most treasure" if people's behaviour was not changed.
In Dunedin during Seaweek, the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust and Doc are offering school talks and workshops are being held for school groups at the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre at Portobello. The aquarium at Portobello is also hosting daily guided tours around Otago Harbour.
On Friday, a screening of student documentaries about science, conservation and love of the sea will be held at Otago Museum, and a school environment day will take place at Tomahawk Beach.
On Sunday, individuals and groups will help clean up Otago Harbour, the Aramoana salt marsh and the peninsula at Portobello, while divers will scour the harbour collecting underwater rubbish.
A rocky shore guided walk will leave the Portobello aquarium at 12.30pm. Bookings are required.
Events already held included a film on Fiordland shown at the Dunedin Public Library, a public "soapbox" discussion in the Octagon, and the telling of Maui's story at the Dunedin Public Library.
In Oamaru last night, marine mammal researcher Dr Will Rayment and Department of Conservation ranger Mel Young spoke at the Oamaru Public Library about their work on southern right whales and sea lions..
More information about Seaweek and associated events can be found online at www.seaweek.org.nz.
