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The first week of March marks the 21st anniversary of Seaweek and this year's theme is "One Ocean - It Starts with Me", focusing on ways everyone can be involved in protecting the marine environment.
What began as an art competition with a marine theme in 1987 has become a national event when New Zealanders come together to celebrate the marine environment.
Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick launched Seaweek 2008 in Auckland on Friday at the play Perils of the Deep Blue Sea, about a juvenile Maui's dolphin.
Anastasia Turnbull, Doc's national campaign manager, said there were a range of activities across the country throughout Seaweek. In the Far North, a marine conservation roadshow featured footage of the ocean and anecdotes of marine conservation.
Wanganui had developed a calendar of events including a Fun by the Sea family day; a showcase of sea inspired work and an activity day at a Manawatu estuary.
Ms Turnbull said there were many ways that everyone could be a part of helping to care for the marine environment.
"Actions can be as simple as picking up rubbish on the beach or thinking about what is poured down the drain, as plastics, rubbish and chemicals entering the sea can all negatively affect marine life.
"By following even a few simple practices all New Zealanders can be involved in helping to protect our unique marine creatures and environment."
Seaweek is led nationally by the New Zealand Association of Environmental Educators and has a number of partners including the Department of Conservation the Ministry of Fisheries, St Kilda Trust and the Ministry for the Environment
On Friday, the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education & Recreation Centre will have activities at Long Bay.
www.seaweek.org.nz/event-listing.htm
