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Summary
EMR's independence, professional delivery, marine reserves focus and provision of a range of learning styles make it unique within New Zealand. Since its introduction in Northland in 2002, programme uptake has continued to increase throughout the country. The Department of Conservation (DOC) is a foundation partner of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, and has supported the development of the EMR programme since 2002.The Tindall Foundation now also support the programme's national expansion.
The EMR programme empowers schools and communities by providing hands-on experience in the ocean. The programme involves investigating marine biodiversity and the local marine environment before venturing to a fully-protected marine reserve. After this experience, students are able to compare unprotected and protected areas and are encouraged to put their knowledge into action within the community.