The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education has extended the closing date for entries to its annual, national Seaweek Ocean Challenge competition.

The deadline is now Thursday, January 31.

This year's Ocean Challenge requires entrants to undertake a specific action to help solve a problem in the marine environment. There are two award categories - junior (under-16) and senior.

Junior entrants will describe their challenge and publicise it on their school blog or Facebook page. Entries will all go into a prize draw for a selection of fantastic spot prizes, from Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safaris and the Outboard Boating Club.

Senior entrants will outline their challenge on the Seaweek website. Voting will take place online during February to choose the winner, who will receive a prize package equivalent to at least $500 from the New Zealand Coastal Society in support of their work.

Nominees will all be featured on the Seaweek website and social media channels, and the winners will be announced during Seaweek 2019.

To enter your Ocean Challenge, visit the Seaweek website at: seaweek.org.nz and submit your creative ideas for improving the marine environment.

Seaweek 2019 will take place from Saturday, March 2 to Sunday March 10. The theme ‘Tiakina o Tatou Moana – Care for our Seas' will highlight practical steps we can take to keep our coastline and seas healthy for all.