NEW FISHERIES WEB SITE A RESOURCE FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

16 July 2001

The Ministry of Fisheries has launched an educational web site with information about how New Zealand's fisheries are managed for sustainable use.

Primarily aimed at college students and teachers, the ST*Rfish site at http://www.starfish.govt.nz is divided into economics, social studies, science and geography sections.

Launching the site this week, the Ministry's Chief Executive, Warwick Tuck said that many young people have a real interest in New Zealand's fisheries - but want more high-quality information.

"They want to know how a natural resource like fisheries can be both protected long term and utilised responsibly now.

"The new site shows that New Zealand's fisheries resource raises a complex set of issues. There are important cultural, recreational and ecological aspects to the fishery and it also supports a billion dollar export industry. The management of these, often conflicting, values is a fascinating story, involving many disciplines.

"If this site helps create a greater understanding of the complex relationships involved in fisheries management, I'll be delighted," said Mr Tuck

Each main section of the site (economics, social studies, science and geography) includes Teachers' Notes, Student Activities, Fact Sheets, and Resources. In the Resources sections are included photos, downloads, news stories, a game, cartoons and glossary.

Ministry of Fisheries Communications Manager Alan Meek said that the ST*Rfish site answers most of the questions frequently asked by students and teachers.

"We get a steady stream of requests for help with school projects and have only been able to provide a limited range of material until now. The web site can be updated at regular intervals to meet changing demands.

"It is designed to appeal mainly to students from Form 3 up, with a great depth of information that senior students can use for more detailed research. We hope it is well used and enjoyed."

The site is also available to colleges free on CD-ROM.

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