Sea MERC Day 2025 was picture-perfect with over 220 participants taking part in our water-based and rocky shore activities!
This annual Seaweek event has been coordinated by Sir Peter Blake MERC for the last 8 years providing a unique opportunity to share passion for the ocean and learn about sea life in the beautiful Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve!
Ocean adventures included kayaking and giant stand up paddle boarding with MERC leaders as well as knee boarding with Surf Lifesaving Northern Region. Everyone got a chance to improve their paddling technique and learn about water safety while having a blast out on and in the water!
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As the tide receded, crowds gathered to explore the rock pools. After learning about safety and best practice to observe but not harm marine life in the reserve, they were rewarded with sightings of a plethora of snails, sponges, chitons, sea stars, fan worms, hermit crabs, kina, sea hares and an octopus! Leaders shared fun facts and educated attendees about animals most of them had never encountered before!
Did you know that sea hares can squirt out purple ink when scared or stressed? Or that octopus can change colour & texture to blend in to their environment - and they can fit their whole bodies through an opening the size of just their beak! For more information about what you can find when exploring the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve and to upload your own photos and observations check out our inaturalist page!
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Thank you to RAFT Studios, biosecurity champions from Auckland Council, and Rotary Browns Bay for rounding out our fantastic day with more activities and food. We are extremely grateful for funding from Foundation North, the primary funding source for this event, which allows us to provide community events celebrating Seaweek and deepening our connections with the ocean!
It's not too late to get involved in more Seaweek activities! More info at Whats On
