Tracking the Moana's progress - utilizing collaborative science techniques

In a nation largely unaware of the wonders that lie beneath the waves, a wave of change is sweeping across Aotearoa New Zealand. This change is driven by the growing movement of seafarer-led citizen science, with the Secchi Disk study leading the charge in monitoring the ocean's phytoplankton.

The Secchi Disk study, a global initiative, invites everyone, particularly seafarers, to participate in understanding the health of our oceans. Resources for this study can be found on the MM2 and New Zealand Marine Studies Centre websites, offering updated ID guides, how-to videos, and more.

The RŪNĀ programme, an initiative that connects schools and kura with local sailing clubs, is another key player in this movement. The programme's Moanamana module supports students in becoming citizen scientists, though the organisation behind RŪNĀ remains to be explicitly identified in search results.

Recently, Sally Carson from the Otago University Department of Marine Science led a professional learning development (PLD) session on monitoring waterways and oceans. This session, delivered in conjunction with Coastal People: Southern Skies, Centre of Research Excellence and Yachting NZ's Moanamana programme, was relevant to both primary and secondary school teachers.

The PLD session covered methods to observe and record environmental indicators using senses and scientific tools. It also emphasised the importance of recording diversity and abundance of coastal species using various sampling methods. Resources such as iNaturalist NZ and the Marine Metre Squared citizen science project were highlighted for their support in identification and data collection.

The activities, aimed at honeing students' observation skills, collect data about local environments, and use this knowledge to care for the moana (coastal environment), are not limited to the Secchi Disk study. The "Making and using a quadrat" activity, for instance, introduces students to monitoring techniques, as seen in the Toheroa Abundance Project, which uses quadrat sampling to monitor toheroa populations in Northland.

Moreover, the NZ Marine Studies Centre (University of Otago) has been developing science engagement programs to enhance students' science citizenship skills. These programs, such as the Hub's Estuaries and Oceans topics, provide information about the significance of estuaries to Maori, marine animal adaptations, and marine habitats.

The Building Science Concepts series from the Ministry of Education also includes Books 21 and 22 about marine life and tidal communities. These resources offer a comprehensive approach to educating students about our maritime nation's rich marine life.

In a world where understanding and preserving our oceans is more important than ever, these initiatives are paving the way for a new generation of ocean stewards. By empowering students as citizen scientists, we are not only fostering a love for the sea but also ensuring a sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand's marine life.

For those interested, the session recording and slideshow presentation are available for download. Let us dive into this exciting new era of ocean conservation and education.