Marine protection - Our oceans

Our marine environment is home to tens of thousands of species including seabirds, dolphins and whales, fish, corals and other wildlife – some of which are endangered, and almost half of which are found nowhere else on the planet.

To protect this environment, we work in different areas, for example campaigning for the establishment of marine protected areas and advocating in New Zealand and globally for the protection of species such as Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins, whales, New Zealand sea lions, albatrosses and petrels.

In December, 2010, WWF launched Ocean:Views, a national competition that called for creative works reflecting on and celebrating New Zealanders’ unique connection to our seas. Over 350 entries were submitted and thousands of comments on the artwork were shared by Kiwis across the country. The common thread weaving these beautiful stories and artwork together is the idea that New Zealanders love the sea, and the majority want significant protection for our oceans, so Kiwis can continue to enjoy what we have today and in the future.

The judges selected winners of each of the four categories – creative writing, film, music and visual art. Brooke Singer won the category prize for music with her song 'Claimed by the Sea', Danny Boulton won the short film category with 'In the spirit of Kaitiakitanga', and Neil Miller won the visual art category for 'Swim to Me'. The People’s Choice award was won by Alicia Young for her beautiful photograph of 'swimming in the sea'.