Sea Week is celebrated each year from March 5 to 13 in New Zealand. The celebrations are organized by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (N.Z.A.E.E.). The non-profit organization promotes and supports a sustainable relationship between human beings and all marine life. Every year, the N.Z.A.E.E. gets members and volunteers, groups, and organizations to participate in the activities of Sea Week. The events are diverse and designed to include members of all age groups. Sea Week is celebrated in schools with activities and presentations, marine ecosystem field trips, and engagements that improve the health of our marine ecosystem. Members volunteer to clean beaches, go kayaking and snorkeling, and take pledges to be sustainable.
History of Sea Week
Sea Week was started by the Marine Education Society of Australasia and brought over to New Zealand in 1992. The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (N.Z.A.E.E.) organized Seaweek every year after that with the help of enthusiastic individuals, groups, and organizations. Since 2019, the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Center (MERC) has taken the reins of national coordination and led the coordination of Seaweek events in Auckland.
The primary aim of Sea Week is to get people truly involved in the betterment of the sea, marine life, and environment to create a sustainable future. This week is the perfect time for all of us to get to know our ocean, its habitats, and its inhabitants more intimately. Sea Week offers volunteers a wide range of activities, opportunities, and competitions that help them connect with the sea and appreciate the delicate ecosystem that it supports.
With the threats of climate change, rising sea levels, global warming, and sea pollution, we should be concerned with the long-term consequences of these detrimental actions. As we get caught up in our daily lives and continue with our current lifestyles, it’s important to pause and think about what we can do to prevent further degradation of our seas. The ecosystem that is supported by the seas also affects human well-being — a rise in sea levels floods our cities and the depletion of marine animals affects biodiversity. Celebrations like Sea Week ensure the harmonious coexistence of all living creatures.
Sea Week timeline
It becomes one of the longest-running beach clean-ups in the world.
The organization cleans up garbage patches in oceans.
The biggest ocean clean-up drive is organized with the cleaning of the Pacific Garbage Patch.
The cleanup mostly includes plastics and fishing nets.
Sea Week FAQs
What is Sea Week?
Sea Week is an annual national week about the sea hosted by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (N.Z.A.E.E.). The week celebrates our ocean, its habitats, and its inhabitants.
Why is Sea Week important?
Sea Week focuses on learning about the ocean because it is so important to all our lives, and what we can do to conserve it.
What is Sea Week New Zealand?
Seaweek is New Zealand’s annual national week celebrating the sea.
How to Observe Sea Week
Visit a beach
Celebrate Sea Week by being close to the sea and what better way to do that than by visiting a beach! Pack a picnic lunch, your swimsuit, and favorite books, and head to the nearest beach.
Organize a beach clean-up
A noble way to celebrate Sea Week is by organizing or participating in a beach clean-up. Gather your friends, family, and colleagues and encourage everyone to clear the beaches of plastic and trash.
Raise funds
If you are unable to visit the beach or organize a beach clean-up, don’t worry, you can still do your bit to help. Raise funds and donate money to organizations that clean the seas and look after the well-being of marine creatures.
5 Facts About Oceans That Will Blow Your Mind
Most wildlife exists in the oceans
About 94% of the total wildlife can be found in the oceans.
The deepest part of the ocean
The Mariana Trench is around seven miles deep and located in the South Pacific Ocean.
There’s a lot of volcanic activity
About 90% of the Earth’s volcanic activity happens in the ocean.
Ship accidents
The ocean floor is littered with three million wrecked ships.
We haven’t really explored the seas
Only 5% of the ocean’s floor has been mapped in detail.
Why Sea Week is Important
It helps marine life
Celebrations such as Sea Week help us to do our bit for our fellow inhabitants. This is the week to help marine life and ensure that they live long and healthy lives — coexistence is important.
It protects our future
Sea Week is an active step towards cleaning up our seas and oceans, and improving the health of the marine ecosystem. When we take care of the present, we ensure a happy future for the next generations.
It’s a reason to spend time by the sea
Sea Week is celebrated with visits to the sea, participating in water sports, and more. This is a great week to take a break and spend as much time by the sea as one likes!
Sea Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 2 | Saturday |
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