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Students from Ōrewa Beach Primary have been learning all about tuna, the longfin eel that lives in Ōrewa’s streams. As part of a special project run by the Ōtanerua Reserve Restoration Group and supported by Whitebait Connection and WaiCare, Year 5 and 6 students from the school took part in a mix of science and art to learn more about the significance of tuna (eel) and the ecological importance of local streams.
Their journey started in the classroom, led by Sarah Dimitrijevic from Mountains to Sea where they explored the life cycle of tuna and the threats these amazing creatures face. Then it was off to Nukumea Stream in Eaves Bush, where local experts showed the students how to test water quality and spot signs of stream health.
Back at school, marine biologist and artist Jenny Ann Sweatman helped the students turn their learning into artworks inspired by the tuna. The artworks will become a permanent part of the school, helping raise awareness of the importance of preserving local ecosystems.
The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board provided funding for the freshwater education programme, and Waicare funded the programme and enabled eDNA testing of Ōtanerua Stream, which was also supported by Sarah Dimitrijevic.
The art can viewed at the upcoming EcoFete on April 13 at Ōtanerua reserve: https://ecofest.org.nz/event/otanerua-eco-fete/
Information supplied by Tori Christie from Ōtanerua Reserve Restoration
