The Dive Planet Goat Island Dive Project aware day was to be a day of remembrance as there were moments of joy and excitement and times of frustration and anguish. We even had a few divers from DHQ Greenlane come along and do some cleaning at Ti Point, but the majority of waste was extracted from Leigh harbour and coastal reefs with the aid of Goat Island Dives charter vessel Apollo.
The turnout was fantastic including a few children that took onboard how important it is to keep our oceans free from waste. One young lady named Nicole even held a kina in her hand for the first time before returning it to the sea.
Well Nicole here at Dive Planet we think that is great so we have made up a special photo CD for you and we also have a cool Dive Planet hat for you.
Project Aware Participants
All participants that took part in the Dive Planet Goat Island Dive Project Aware day we are sending you a certificate of recognition along with a DVD of the day’s event and other images of our stunning aquatic realm.
Project Aware Ambassadors 2008
Congratulations to Oliver of Silverdale and Raymond of Mangaturoto, throughout the day these two young men really took the Project Aware Day to another level as they worked hard and long.
Oliver and Raymond you are both Inspirational and true Ambassadors. Here at Dive Planet we want to reward you for your excellent efforts, so we are sending you each a special Dive Planet gift pack including hats, shirts and a DVD. Support our sponsor for the tops 2001.
Keep up the good work as it is your generation that can turn things around for the better.
Project Aware Day’s are good to have; to reinforce the need to clean up the waste that man creates spoiling our environment for our Children and their Children. If we are all not a lot more conscious about the things that are needlessly dispose of on land or in the sea, our future generations are going to live a very unhealthy and unsafe environment. This is not that sort of plan I have in mind and I am sure that it is not your plan either for your Grandchildren.
How can we Help? What can we Do?
BE PROACTIVE!!
Firstly we need to be good role models to our children as they will copy what their peers do. Many divers I have dived with are very conscious about the environment making Project Aware a daily activity, when exploring our aquatic playground, removing fishing line etc. But how many of us have just swum past some line not considering the impact that this may have. In saying this I am not saying we should spend all our quality dive time removing hard to get objects, but more so removing smaller items that we come across.
By doing this we are being PROACTIVE and ensuring the next generation can enjoy the quality of our wonderful underwater world.
Educating our Children?
Taking time to educate our children, about our oceans and all the magnificent creatures, that are with her bounds is interesting and educational in many ways. Not only are we teaching them about species and life under the water; we are helping them see the importance of becoming Project Aware minded.
Next time you see that piece of paper or rubbish on the beach pick it up and remove it. Children see children do!
If you see someone litter on land or on the beach, especially children take the time to explain the harm they are causing.
Become Proactive as every little bit of effort helps to cleanse and protect our planet.
Together we can make a difference so let’s make everyday a Project Aware day
Dive Planet Cares
Here at Dive Planet we would like to read stories from children on ways they think we can save our oceans. So come on and send your ideas, stories to info@diveplanet.co.nz along with any pictures or drawings you may want to do. We will publish all your stories and pictures here on the Dive Planet website. Make sure to include your first name only, age and the Region are from.
Special Thanks to Sponsors Guests
Goat Island Dive Team - for the use of their charter vessel Apollo and dive shop for the day’s event. Team Goat Island Dive excelled in making this day one to remember with an assortment of treats for all. Support this awesome team checkout Goat Island Dive here.
Rodney Council - provided a free bin for the removal of the rubbish collected.
Dr Roger Grace - Dr Roger Grace gave us all a talk about our marine sector and what is really happening and what we need to do. Roger you are awesome and thank you on behalf of all.
NZ Fisheries - Officers gave an interesting talk highlighting the importance of sticking to the limits and the penalties for exceeding the daily limits. Ignorance is no excuse so, be warned!!
Butcher Jacks Glenfield - Thanks to John of Butcher Jacks for providing the sausages and chicken for the day’s event.
Most of all a Big Thank you from - Dive Planet, Goat Island Dive, Dive HQ Greenlane, for all the divers and shore walkers that gave up their time for this very special and important cause.
