Whitianga Floating Classroom

On 12 June, we welcomed two groups of participants aboard the Glass Bottom Boat in Whitianga for another engaging Floating Classroom session focused on marine conservation and environmental monitoring. The first trip hosted 13 participants, while the second trip welcomed 11 participants.

During the excursions, participants observed a variety of marine life in their natural habitat, including snapper, red moki, blue maomao, and several other fish species. The clear viewing conditions provided an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse marine ecosystems found within the marine reserve and to learn about the important role these species play in maintaining healthy coastal environments.

A key focus of the session was the importance of marine reserves and the recent expansion of reserve boundaries in the Cathedral Cove area. Discussions explored how protected areas help marine habitats, support biodiversity, and contribute to the long-term resilience of our coastal ecosystems.

Participants also took part in hands-on water quality testing, comparing conditions inside and outside the marine reserve. The activity highlighted differences in water turbidity, with waters outside the reserve displaying higher turbidity levels than those within the protected area. This practical investigation provided valuable insight into environmental monitoring techniques and reinforced the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and scientific observation.