A register has been started to help keep track of boats
visiting Fiordland, with the aim of protecting the marine
environment from damage caused by pest species.
The vessels intentions register is a joint effort between
Environment Southland and Biosecurity New Zealand.
It provides a way for boat owners and operators to notify
their intention of travelling to Fiordland, and enables the
council and biosecurity officials to monitor their movements
in the "most sensitive" of marine environments.
Environment Southland compliance manager Mark Hunter said the
register would allow timely biosecurity information to be
passed on and checks to ensure boats had thorough hull
maintenance and antifouling coatings.
"Dirty boats spread marine pests, so regular cleaning and
antifouling are vitally important.
"Introduced pests, such as the seaweed undaria, or the sea
squirt Styela clava will readily hitch a ride on the hull of
any moored vessel, particularly if it has a dirty surface to
take hold on.
Fiordland is precious and many parts are simply unique, so
there's a lot at risk," he said.
The Southland regional pest management strategy and coastal
plan outlawed travelling into the fiords with a fouled hull
or discharging ballast within the fiords.
Mr Hunter said the vessels intentions register was a
voluntary measure.
Details would be kept in confidence by Environment Southland
and Biosecurity New Zealand (a division of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry).
Boat users could access the register to log their intended
visit at:
www.es.govt.nz/environment/coast/maritime/vessel-intentions.aspx.
The vessels intentions register was a part of the effort to
enact the Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy.
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