Western Australia's leading marine educators were on Rottnest Island, Saturday 8 March, to delve into the deep blue ocean and discover the fascinating features of our under water world as part of the Seaweek Teachers' Expo 2003. Seaweek is organised by the Marine Education Society of Australasia and aims to focus community awareness and encourage an appreciation of the sea, its living organisms and rich cultural heritage.

As part of Seaweek the Rottnest Island Authority organises and hosts the Seaweek Teachers' Expo with the inaugural event held in March 2001. It is the State's premier event to acknowledge Seaweek and is made possible with funding assistance from Fishcare WA.

The Expo also involved participation from the Department of Fisheries, Surf Lifesaving WA, Coastcare, AQWA, Perth Zoo, the CSIRO's Science Education Centre and the WA Museum and WA Maritime Museum.

Targeted at teachers and educators with a particular interest in marine issues, the participants spent the day taking part in one of three workshops on offer, including activities such as sea kayaking, fishing workshops, snorkelling around reefs and shipwrecks and taking part in a touch pool.

Rottnest Island Authority Senior Education Officer and Event Organiser, Melinda Wild, said the event was growing in popularity and feedback from participants indicated it was a valuable initiative.

"One of the main aims of the Expo is to promote teacher involvement in Seaweek which in turn encourages them to promote the conservation and protection of the marine environment through educational programs and activities," she said.

Ms Wild said the Expo was also important in developing links between marine-coastal educators from around the State and to share information on the types of educational facilities, programs and resources that are available for those involved in marine education.

"Rottnest Island provides the perfect setting for this event with its diverse natural environment, relaxed ethos and strong conservation values," she said.

The Seaweek Teachers' Expo is an annual event and will be held next year in March 2004. Interested people can contact the Rottnest Island Authority for further information on 9292 5937 or visit www.rottnest.wa.gov.au .