Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) is a national programme of experiential learning about marine conservation run by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. We empower communities by providing hands-on snorkel and paddle experiences in the ocean, estuaries, rivers and lakes.
Our coordinators offer guidance, direction and coordination of classroom exercises and field trips to the ocean. seeks funding to provide the full EMR programme to schools. Our full programmes involve investigating marine biodiversity via a classroom presentation, a pool session and snorkel in a local marine environment before venturing to a marine protected area. After this experience, students are able to compare unprotected and protected areas and are encouraged to put their knowledge into action within the community.
Snorkel equipment provided
We provide snorkel equipment, instruction, resources and snorkel risk management. For many students, it is their first time using snorkel gear. EMR snorkelling experiences recommends a 1:2 adult/student ratio for year 8 and below, the result being active involvement of many family and community members.
Casual 'User paid' snorkel experiences
In addition to the full EMR programme outlined above. EMR is interested in getting as many people as possible to ‘experience’ a marine reserve and the marine environment. EMR offers ‘once off’ introductory snorkel experiences (run in accordance with EMR snorkel Risk Assessment & Management Systems, EMR Kaupapa (looking & learning) and conditions outlined in the itinerary created for the task. We offer these experiences at marine reserves or locations of choice (e.g. as part of your school camp).
“We work with hearts and minds. These are the building blocks for people to create emotional connections with their environment.”
Samara Nicholas, EMR founder
Inspire | Experience | Act
Full programme - often fully funded
STEP 1
Interactive presentations and games.
STEP 2
Developing skills for the ocean.
STEP 3
STEP 4
Either by snorkel, intertidal activities or in some regions by kayak. Tamariki are able to see first hand the challenges their local environment is facing and can brainstorm ways to help it.
STEP 5
Taking the students to a marine reserve or rāhui for a snorkel.
After this experience, students are able to compare unprotected and protected areas and are encouraged to put their knowledge into action within the community. With the best action projects from around Aotearoa earning a spot on the Annual Poor Knights Trip.
Casual programmes - user paid
Needing activities to add to your school camp? Field trips to tie into Outdoor Education, biology or PE standards? We are able to create a programme to suit. Contact us using to form above to get a quote. We are able to work alongside schools to apply for funding through Tū Manawa Aotearoa and local councils.
Free or subsidised community events
Each region has their own events and ways to register.
All equipment is provided free of charge.
Koha is appreciated, either money or time volunteering at a future event.
Snorkel Days
Participants are buddied with an experienced volunteer snorkel guide and taken for a guided tour. Either walk in or expressions of interest online.
Paddle Days
Partnering with a local Kayak or Stand up provider we explore inner harbour areas that wouldn't be suitable for snorkelling. Pre-registration required.
Exploration Snorkel
Adventure Snorkel
Our snorkel sites
Marine kaitiaki guardians from the Far North to the Deep South rewarded with Poor Knights snorkel experience!
The annual EMR competition trip is made up of representative students from each school that that participates in the programme. We now offer the trip to all eight regions where EMR is operating, thanks to sponsorship from Dive! Tutukaka and the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation.
Since 2002, we have taken representatives from 373 schools, totalling 531 students on this annual trip!
Once in a lifetime snorkel trip
The best action projects and artworks completed by students are selected to represent their region.
The location
The experience
For Northland and Auckland representatives it is a daytrip out to the Poor Knights on Perfect Day. For our regional representatives, it is a 3 day trip, staying at Matapouri Holiday Units, with a dinner at Schnappa Rock. All flights and accommodation is inclusive for the student and their guardian.
Criteria
Previous trips
Maitai Rāhui
Te Whanau Moana me Te Rorohuri implemented a no-take rahui covering 384 ha at Maitai Bay in 2017. The rahui was implemented due to concern about the ongoing degradation of the health/mauri of the area, which has been subject to heavy fishing pressure for the past several decades. Extensive kina barrens, associated with a loss of large predators on the reef, now cover much of the shallow rocky reef within the Maitai Bay. The rahui was implemented and is upheld directly by Te Whanau Moana me Te Rorohuri.
Rakino Island
EMR has assisted the residents of Rakino Island in Auckland to set up a marine monitoring programme.
Love Rimurimu
Our provider organisation, Mountains to Sea Wellington has created the Love Rimurimu project.
