A new citizen science initiative is empowering sailors to map marine biodiversity and ocean health in the Pacific, equipping blue-water sail
A new citizen science initiative is empowering sailors to map marine biodiversity and ocean health in the Pacific, equipping blue-water sailors with the latest technology to gather important data while at sea. The Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest ocean and will provide crucial insights into the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss on the region.
Citizens of the Sea, a charity co-founded by Cawthron Institute (NZ) and New Zealand Geographic, and supported by Live Ocean Foundation, has recruited sailors in the 2024 Pacific Rally to help understand the health and function of the world’s biggest ocean.
On their voyage, the sailors are encouraged to help scientists understand the biodiversity and marine environments in the Pacific by collecting eDNA samples to identify thousands of species from a cup of water, create 3D model of coral reefs using the camera on their mobile phone or build a dataset of environmental variables using information on their instruments.
Presenting Live Ocean’s appeal to ban bottom trawling to the New Zealand Parliament alongside swimmer Jono Ridler, Blair Tuke perfects his “serious politician” look.
Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are calling the passing of the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill a huge milestone for the Gulf.
Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, champion sailors and co-founders of Live Ocean are calling the passing of the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill a huge milestone for the Gulf.
Highlighting the Gulf’s uniqueness and its rich biodiversity has been a key focus for Live Ocean since its inception and the pair are delighted that the area will have greater protection with the introduction of this long-awaited Bill.
…
The Bill’s passing supports ongoing science and innovation projects in the Gulf, including kelp restoration and marine research.
Black Foils Co-CEOs and founders of Live Ocean Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have just spent three days at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) hel
Black Foils Co-CEOs and founders of Live Ocean Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have just spent three days at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in Nice, France running from 9-13 June.
Having established Live Ocean more than five years ago, Burling and Tuke were invited to take part and speak at multiple events within the UNOC line-up.
They included an ‘Ocean House - Nightcap’ which brought together athletes and changemakers who are turning sporting influence into ocean impact, a session on ‘The Power of Sport as a Key Convenor’ hosted by The Ocean Race, and they took part in another that showcased the vital importance of deep ocean seamounts hosted by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition.
The pair are unique in that they speak not only as athletes using their voice to champion ocean health, but as co-founders of an ocean conservation organisation with an established track record of backing science and innovation projects in New Zealand.
Blair Tuke says, “The UN Ocean Conference is our opportunity to take part in the global conversation about ocean health, and it was a privilege to speak and attend a number of the events. There’s a lot that happens in the big forums with the political leaders, and events outside of that where NGOs cross over with policymakers too.”
“We met others from all parts of the globe, connected to all the different oceans around the world - people trying to do similar things to drive action for a healthy ocean. The knowledge sharing and people working together is one of the highlights of these events.”
…
Burling explains it, “Sport is an amazing platform for being able to connect people to issues. As an athlete it gives you that extra purpose while you’re out competing, and through your audience, you can really help them get behind the issues and that can influence decision-makers.”
“It’s been amazing to see how much energy there is here. I’ve been inspired by hearing so many different stories and really look forward to carrying that energy back to New Zealand and continuing to make positive change.”
With over 200 entrants the Black Foils and Live Ocean's event “Foil4TheGulf” to raise awareness for the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine P
With over 200 entrants the Black Foils and Live Ocean’s event “Foil4TheGulf” to raise awareness for the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill has become New Zealand’s largest ever foiling event by entries.
The event held today at Auckland’s Okahu Bay was inspired by the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill’s stalled progress in Parliament. The previous record for a foiling event in New Zealand was this year’s Foil Bay of Islands event which had just over 150 entrants.
Launched out of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Foil4TheGulf brought together foilers (beginners through to experienced), from across Tamaki Makaurau and beyond. Attendees didn’t have to get in the water to join in the action with options to learn more about the need to protect the Gulf including a speaker panel and foiling lessons before the main event.
The ambition for the day was to garner public and political attention at the event and draw the focus back to passing the important marine protection Bill. A number of elected officials also attended on the day including Auckland Central MP and Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick and Auckland’s Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson.
Black Foils Co-CEO and Live Ocean Founder Peter Burling said it was special to see the foiling community come together to support the event.
“It was great that the lack of breeze didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Everyone still got out on the water and had some good yarns and enjoyed being together. Hopefully everyone who was here today passes the message on to their family and friends to really drive some momentum behind the bill. It’s a team effort to get these things done and it was awesome to see the size of the team today.”
Live Ocean Foundation partners with exceptional marine scientists, innovators and communicators to scale up action for a healthy ocean.
If you live in New Zealand near the Hauraki Gulf, follow the link to learn about Live Ocean’s Foil4TheGulf event on May 26. If you don’t, you can still send a virtual postcard to the NZ Parliament as part of the marine conservation campaign.
(Sure, most of us here aren’t actually from New Zealand, but the politicians don’t have to know that…)
University of Auckland southern right whale research tagging data has helped to inform policy and decision-making aimed at enhancing the pro
Live Ocean checks in with the University of Auckland team on the latest updates of their tohorā southern right whale research.
Following the world’s first circumpolar simultaneous satellite tagging program with Australian, South African and South American research teams, the New Zealand – University of Auckland research tagging data has helped to inform policy and decision-making aimed at enhancing the protection of New Zealand’s tohorā southern right whale population.
