Aotearoa New Zealand is an island nation surrounded by the sea – a special taonga for us all. Our oceans are home to over 15,000 known marine species, with many more waiting to be discovered. Scientists think up to 50,000 species could still be out there!
Aotearoa is surrounded by the sea – a special taonga for us all. Source: LEARNZ.
Why the ocean matters to everyone
The ocean is essential to life on Earth. Whether we swim in it, fish from it, or live far from it, the ocean plays a big role in our lives by:
- controlling our climate
- supporting life
- shaping and creating land
- providing seafood and other resources.
Sadly, many of our marine animals are at risk. In New Zealand waters, 22% of marine mammals, 90% of seabirds, and 80% of shorebirds are in danger of extinction.
Did you know the ocean floor isn’t flat? Underwater are mountains, volcanoes, trenches, canyons, valleys, and plains, creating habitats for all sorts of marine life.
Sadly, many of our marine animals are at risk. Source: LEARNZ.
Our big blue backyard
New Zealand is surrounded by the sea, so it’s a big part of our lifestyle. Most New Zealanders live close to the coast, and even those who don’t are just a two-hour drive away. The sea is important for swimming, fishing, gathering food, and spiritual connection.
New Zealand’s marine areas include:
- The Territorial Sea, stretching 12 nautical miles from the shore
- The Exclusive Economic Zone, reaching from 12 to 200 nautical miles out.
These areas are managed by New Zealand laws and by different people, industries, and organisations.
Most New Zealanders live close to the coast. Source: LEARNZ.
The diversity of our marine life
New Zealand’s marine environment is full of life and variety. Our waters cover a huge area, from subtropical to subantarctic zones, and sit on an active tectonic boundary. This combination makes New Zealand’s marine habitats and species unique.
The ‘blue’ economy
People have relied on the sea for resources for a long time. Now, it’s important to think about how we can use these resources wisely, so they’re here for future generations. Scientists are working to make sure our marine ecosystems stay healthy while still supporting jobs and the economy.
Surprisingly, less than 1% of our ocean areas have been charted. We’ve discovered more than 15,000 marine species, and on average, scientists find seven new species every two weeks! Because New Zealand is so far from other countries, many of our marine species can’t be found anywhere else in the world; they are endemic.
Our ocean is full of mystery and life – let’s keep it healthy for the future!
Less than 1% of our ocean areas have been charted. Source: Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand.
Māori kupu | key words
moana | ocean
taonga | treasure
momo | species
whakatātūtū | measurement of depth, to chart
pūnaha hauropi | ecosystem
kaimoana | seafood
