In March 2019, I began my online passion project, which has slowly grown to become a community of people passionate about nature, the oceans, conservation, sustainability and wildlife rights. Thanks to you!
For those of you unfamiliar with SEA SOCIETY and are wondering what we are about. Our purpose is to provide education and advocacy.
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane…
• SEA SOCIETY started by sharing eco, simple, tried-and-tested product alternatives for people to live more harmoniously with Mother Earth/Papatūānuku.
• February 2020, I started studying to gain a degree in Environmental Management. After encountering sea lions, I switched my degree to Zoology.
• March 2020 – May 2021, I organised 8 rubbish clean-ups in Invercargill/Waihopai. Volunteer numbers grew from 5 to about 30.
• June 2020, I began the ‘Protect Endangered New Zealand Sea Lion’ campaign by creating a petition on Change.org proposing vehicle restrictions on beaches in The Catlins.
• June 2020 – 2022, I spent countless hours and my own money building the campaign by researching sea lions and the impacts of vehicles on beaches, and meeting with interested parties. I established communication and relationships with Forest & Bird, the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust, Department of Conservation, Sustainable Coastlines, Iwi, scientists, community members, councillors, politicians and the media.
• January 2021, my first article about sea lions and vehicular vandalism was published in Forest & Bird Magazine.
• July 2021, I gave a presentation about sea lions at the Australasian Hydrographic Society New Zealand Region Seminar in Wellington.
• September 2021, my letter about the impacts of vehicles on beaches was published in Forest & Bird Magazine.
• May 2022, the Clutha District Council released their draft ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw’ for public submissions. I made submissions on both their draft ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw’ and ‘Dog Control Bylaw’.
• June 2022, I gave a verbal submission about the ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw’ before the Clutha District Council.
• January 2023, the ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw’ came into effect in the Clutha Region. Albeit with significantly fewer rules/restrictions than necessary to positively impact their wildlife.
• March 2023, my article about sea lions and the campaign was published in Forest & Bird Magazine.
• August 2023, I gave a presentation about sea lions at the Forest & Bird Southland/Murihuku Branch.
Thank you SEA SOCIETY community!
Photo: Sian Mair by Derek Morrison.