Oliver Young
Age 13
Kings High School
Dunedin
1st May 2017
South-East Marine Protection Forum
Dunedin
Dear SEMPF
A Marine Reserve is a place where the public can go to enjoy undisturbed
marine life peacefully. It is a place where the public can go to enjoy the sea,
and the sand dunes without motorbikers, fishermen and pollution.
In Dunedin, Oamaru and Balclutha, there are no accessible Marine Reserves
for the public - unless they have a boat, or are willing to drive 2 hours out of
town. Here, on the East Coast we need more Marine Reserves that are easier
for the public to access to enjoy marine life. People need a place they can
observe, interact and enjoy the treasures our marine wildlife has to offer. To
give our locals a chance to experience the wonders of the ocean, we need a
more accessible local marine reserve.
I think that Aramoana would be a perfect place for a new Marine Reserve. The
Mole at Aramoana has a total of 5 shipwrecks! The perfect place for fish to
recover and thrive, or for interested divers to explore. The depth varies from
0-30 meters and is full of life; ranging from sea slugs to sea sponges, all the
way to crayfish. The Mole and it’s surrounding beaches are protected from all
of the winds, apart from the North-East. Dive Otago already uses The Mole for
dive training and night dives. If Aramoana was a Marine Reserve, diving would
be a lot more enjoyable, and interesting, as the life and plants would be larger
and of greater quantities.
Marine Reserves are also crucial in education. Children must understand and
appreciate the ocean. Schools can come and see larger populations of
shellfish, crustaceans and fish, and have the opportunity to study them without
having to drive too far.
Tourism industries would also benefit from the larger numbers of easily
accessible marine reserves.
Most of all, when Aramoana is currently discussed, the main topic is often the
massacre of 1990. If Aramoana became a Marine Reserve it would no longer
be known for it’s tragic history, but for it’s incredible Marine Life.
Everyone would benefit from a new local marine reserve. I think Aramoana
would be the perfect place. Aramoana is the ideal location considering its
features. Children can become better educated on the wonderful body, our
ocean, that takes up over 71% of our planet. Tourism will be boosted, and the
new Reserve would replace the Cadbury Factory when it leaves.
I love the environment, and all wildlife on land, air or sea. My proposal for
Aramoana, would bring to light the wondrous marine life we have here, in
Otago. All of our community should have the opportunity to experience nature
in its natural state. People grow, when they understand and appreciate nature.
In return, the ocean and the life that exists there, is allowed to grow in peace.
Aramoana is the perfect place.
Sincerely,
Oliver Young