Students dive deep for Sea Week

Over 50 enthusiastic students from schools across Nelson and Tasman joined forces at Tāhunanui Campground on Friday during Sea Week for the inspiring Mana Whaitake event, a day dedicated to exploring our marine environment. The event is run each year, organised by Tasman Bay Guardians.

Students rotated through a variety of activities led by local experts. Each station offered a deep dive into a different facet of marine science, fostering an appreciation for the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems.

Students rolled up their sleeves for a fascinating fish dissection, gaining firsthand knowledge of marine anatomy. They explored beach tāonga (treasures) from the Nelson Museum, uncovering the rich history and cultural significance of our coastline. The mysteries of whale surveys and the bustling life within the mudflats were unveiled, while a "save the dolphin" simulation provided a thrilling lesson in marine rescue.

Practical skills were also on the agenda, with students learning how to size shellfish and fish with a fisheries officer and exploring the unique ecology of the Back Beach and the elusive Back Beach beetle through art and science.

A highlight of the event was the focus on the resurgence of horse mussel (Waharoa or Atrina zelandica) beds in Tasman Bay. Following last year's collaborative mapping exercise (with Ngāti Tama, DOC, NIWA, LINZ, and others), which revealed new locations for these rare beds. Horse mussels contribute to improved water quality and a healthier ecosystem as they filter water via a specialised method of expulsion known as pseudofaeces.

The students also learned about the Nelson City Council's efforts to protect these valuable habitats, including limiting large ship moorings to minimize anchor damage.