Exploring seaweed restoration and cultural connections
LEARNZ offers free online field trips for schools in Aotearoa. Travel to Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Māui, the Wellington region, to explore the vital role of rimurimu in marine ecosystems and the importance of seaweed restoration. Learn about mātauranga Māori and the deep cultural connections to rimurimu which has been used for centuries as a source of food, medicine, and material in daily life.
Seaweed forests are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing shelter and food for many marine species, improving water quality, while also helping to combat climate change by capturing carbon. However, overfishing, pollution, and rising sea temperatures have impacted seaweed ecosystems around the world, including in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Click on the Register button to visit the LEARNZ website and sign up. You can also explore past field trip material.
Objective
To explore the significance of rimurimu in marine ecosystems, learn about restoration initiatives, and understand the cultural and environmental importance of seaweed to communities.
Key learning
- Investigate the biology and ecology of rimurimu, and its role in supporting marine biodiversity.
- Learn about the environmental challenges impacting seaweed populations, such as human activity and climate change.
- Hear stories from mana whenua about traditional rimurimu sites and its place in Māori culture.
- Hear from ākonga who helped pioneer a kelp restoration project in their local community.
- Visit a seaweed reproduction laboratory to see how kelp is cultivated for restoration purposes.
- Meet experts in marine conservation and learn about how to get involved in seaweed restoration efforts.
