A Brief History of Seaweek

Between 1988 and 2014 Seaweek was the Marine Education Society of Australasia's (MESA) major national public awareness campaign. It was conducted annually (usually in March) to focus community awareness, provide information and encourage an appreciation of the sea.

Each year a different Seaweek theme was chosen and a national coordinator appointed. This provided a focus for student and the community activities, the publication of educational materials and media promotions about the marine and coastal environments. Over these 27 years MESA also had a team of dedicated individuals and groups from around Australia who promote marine awareness and provide educational events in their region to make Seaweek a continuing success.

Summaries of past Seaweek celebrations can be found below.

Seaweek in the Beginning

Seaweek was created in 1987 at the Marine Discovery Centre, Queenscliff, Victoria by Julie Swartz and Pauline Halpin. It began as an art competition that was promoted in all states of Australia and was accompanied by an educational kit consisting of marine activities and relevant information brochures.

Seaweek 2015

MESA has recently amalgamated with the Australian Association of Environmental Education (AAEE). This strategic merger aims to streamline efforts of "Marine" and "Environmental" Educators and to boost the awareness of Marine Education among Environmental Educators who are members of the AAEE. As a result of this merger the AAEE Marine & Coastal Special Interest Group will now manage Seaweek in Australia.

• Seaweek 2015 will be held in the second week of September (September 5th to 13th). These dates fall within National Biodiversity Month (September) and coincide with Threatened Species Day (September 7).
• The theme for Seaweek 2015 will be "Celebrate Seaweek". This theme was chosen to highlight 27 years of MESA's annual "Celebration of the Sea" and will enable you to look back at past Seaweek themes and choose your favourite or simply celebrate Seaweek.
• We are aware that some groups have already planned and organised Seaweek events for March this year. We will continue to support and promote these March events for this year and work to align all Seaweek events to the later date for 2016.

Seaweek Contacts

• Seaweek 2015 coordinator is Kate Keary
• Seaweek on Facebook - Seaweek Facebook Event
• The AAEE Marine & Coastal SIG Facebook Group
• Past Seaweeks - Harry Breidahl