We need you! Help us, be aware!

As many of you live along the Coast, have views of the sea or visit the Sounds or Tasman Bay for fun - your knowledge is needed in deciding how our coastline is used.

Early in 2004, hearings are scheduled to decide on 2000Ha of marine mussel farms in eastern Tasman Bay, Admiralty Bay. Crail Bay, Bonne Point and Clifford Bay. So we need to know as much as possible a.s.a.p. of what you know and observe.

Keep track of dates and times of activities and take photos when possible. Written observations need to be signed and witnessed, preferably by a Justice of the Peace ( a free service). Such affidavit can be used in court in place of a witness appearing in person.

Activities to watch for and record include.

• Boat traffic, large and small vessels, rigs
• Navigational routes through area
• Yacht,. boat races, regattas, water skiing, diving, snorkeling and other amenity uses
• Orca, dolphin and other ocean mammal activities
• Bird activity with kinds and numbers

Send statements and photos to Friends at P.O. Box 365, Nelson 7040 or Email us.

Donations

To ensure our continued effectiveness in a time of increasingly higher costs, mostly caused by our efforts to achieve sustainability in the mussel farm industry, we need substantial funds. Our funds come from our members, member groups, business and government. Much of our work is done pro bono or at reduced fees but the costs are still in the tens of thousands of dollars.

You can join Friends or make a donation either by sending a cheque or by credit card using our secure online membership application form. Donations is tax deductible to $1890.