Ocean Noise Initiative Campaign launched

November 21, 2009 04:28:57 PM

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The launch of the Ocean Noise Initiative marked the official opening of the weeklong 2009 South Pacific Pageant in Suva this morning.

The launch which started at dawn from Suva’s National Sailing centre is based on the concern of protecting our ocean and ensuring a future for our people and our ocean.

Maori actor, director and writer Rawiri Paratene who was the special guest to the launch highlighted that as Pacific Islanders terrestrial pollution has always taken the forefront of our concern.

While there are a lot of things that he wants to achieve, he added that it all begins from the Ocean Noise Initiative Movement to the production of a film called “Cry from the Deep”

“This film looks into issues of ocean noise pollution which is a disturbing problem that is quickly degrading the ocean life that we Pacific Islanders know and love,” the former Play School television presenter said.

“I discovered a two year war game in the Pacific called Green Navy and this program uses sauna to detect enemy craft. The test causes massive stranding of whales and dolphins that had exploded ear drum or suffered bleeding from their eyes.”

The launching of the campaign indicates that Fiji is amongst the Pacific Island countries that support the Ocean Noise Initiative.

Paratene who is best known internationally for his role in the New Zealand film Whale Rider  said there has been growing use for underwater acoustic both man made and natural noise source.

“Our campaign is expected to continue in Hawaii next year where we’ll speak to navies, shipping companies and oil industries on ocean noise pollution. We Pacific Islanders are connected to our ocean. When the ocean is in trouble the land is in trouble and when the land is in trouble the people are in trouble.”

Paratene has challenged everyone in Fiji to come out and become a member of the Fiji Canoeing Group.

Meanwhile, Paratene appeared as Friar Lawrence in the 2009 London Globe Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet.

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