On Friday 22nd March, 3 x Year 10 classes who have been involved in the Experiencing Marine Reserves Project, had the opportunity to participate in a Snorkelling excursion out at Goat Island in Leigh.

Our EMR Supervisor and Guide, Lorna Doogan, met us all out at the Goat Island location.  The session started with Lorna saying a karakia for our group.  Lorna then gave an overview of how the sessions would work, before breaking the students into the two main groups.

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The snorkeling experience included:

The snorkelling experience itself was absolutely breathtaking.  The students were so amazing in terms of their interactions with each other, the staff involved, and the way in which they engaged in the snorkelling experience.  For many of the students, they were so extremely trusting and brave; especially for those who were unfamiliar with open water experiences and who were not necessarily confident swimmers.

Whilst in the water, students and staff alike, were able to view the natural environments that the different species of fish inhabited within the marine reserve.  The most popular fish viewed that day were different sized snapper, and another type of smaller fish with beard-like features that I can't quite remember the name of.  I didn't see any kina myself, however, the students saw lots of kina underneath the sea kelp.

That was honestly one of the most spectacular EOTC experiences I have been involved in at school, for both the students as well as the staff.  I'd go back in a heart beat!