Presenting our Blue Belt Submission to The City Council

This morning we are presenting our submission to the City Council who are workihng on their Long Term Plan.

Worser Bay Aerial View.

We have been very involved in our marine environment: *Snorkelling *Sailing *Marine Science

Marine Metre Square to collect data about species in the intertidal zone and biodiversity We noticed that when we did the Marine Metre Square by the Breaker Bay Headland there was much greater Biodiversity than in Worser Bay. We wondered whether this was because of the proximity of the Taputeranga marine reserve close by. We have used a plankton net and other scientific equipment to monitor the abundance of plankton and marine life We asked the question; what would happen if we made a marine reserve at Worser Bay?

What we have learned: Everytime there's a storm the storm water flows into the ocean bringing pollutants. If sewage water overflows the sewage water will go into the harbour also. Oil,tar and other pollutants will get into the ocean by coming though the storm drains. The importance of marine life for sustaining life on the planet Marine reserves are a useful tool for restoring marine ecosystems.

What we would like to see in the near future: Establish: Snorkel trail. Anemone garden. Pāua hatchery. All of this will improve Marine life at Worser Bay and have positive effects for the whole of Whanganui-a-Tara.

Survey Results Here are some of the survey results. 97.6% said they thought a marine reserve was a good idea. 34.1% of people said they would support it by volunteering We also asked why people wanted it and 73.2% said to restore the ecosystem

This confirms that people think it’s a good idea and would support a temporary marine reserve down at Worser Bay. The Future: Protecting our marine ecosystem. Restoring the health of marine and intertidal habitats Teaching our community about marine life and how to care for it Making Wellington Harbour Te Whanganui - a - Tara an even better place to live. Creating a temporary marine reserve!