В Аитутаки за сутки водолазы-школьники уничтожили 457 морских звёзд

Friday 4 September 2026 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands A total of 457 taramea were removed in less than 24 hours during the latest operation, with the most recent three dives carried out on August 28 and 29 along the western outer reef and near the channel. The three dives were conducted at different locations along Aitutaki’s outer reef. Dive 7 took place off Pacific Resort on the northern side, while Dive 8 continued south along the reef towards the main passage. The following dives moved further along the western outer reef, approximately 350 to 400 metres offshore. Ten students aged between eight and 14 took part in the taramea removal work, working under the guidance of Ocean Toa alongside the GROW Aitutaki team. The visit by Ocean Toa was made possible through the Taunga o te Moana, Water Guardians Young Environmental Leadership Programme. Ocean Toa founders Louisa and Mark Castledine brought a team of nine experienced divers, lifeguards and marine biologists to Aitutaki to support GROW Aitutaki and work alongside the students. The students removed the taramea by free-diving along the reef, locating and collecting the crown-of-thorns starfish before returning them to the boat for counting and safe disposal. This was the group’s tenth Operation Taramea dive, with the students having built up experience through previous operations. “The students were engaged and enthusiastic throughout the weekend,” GROW Aitutaki said. The involvement of Ocean Toa also provided the students with an opportunity to learn directly from experienced marine professionals while developing their diving, safety, marine and conservation skills. The Ocean Toa team continued its work with young people on Monday and Tuesday, working with Year 7 and 8 students at Araura College on water safety and rescue skills. GROW Aitutaki said the latest achievement was a significant milestone for the community and highlighted the role young people are playing in protecting their environment. “To have now removed more than 1,000 taramea from Aitutaki’s western outer reef is something we are extremely proud of,” GROW Aitutaki said. The organisation said the achievement was about more than the number of taramea removed, with the work giving children an active role in conservation and encouraging them to become responsible custodians of their natural resources. “For us, the 1,000-plus taramea removed is more than a number. It represents the commitment of our children, the support of our partners, and what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity, knowledge and trust to take an active role in protecting their environment.” GROW Aitutaki also acknowledged the support of Ocean Toa and Korero o te Orau in helping make the conservation work possible.