A Fiordland tourism operator is welcoming a proposal to address the impact that commercial activities are having on the area.
Yesterday, Environment Southland began consultation with consent and stakeholders on a proposed change to the regional coastal plan which included temporary measures on commercial surface water activities in Fiordland.
The measures include a restriction on the granting of new or additional consents in the area which would potentially impact many businesses operating in the region.
In a statement, chairman Nicol Horrell said the council had commissioned a report on the issue after concerns were raised about the increasing pressure activities were having on the highly valued Ata Whenua Fiordland area.
"This proposed plan change will put in place temporary measures to control increases in commercial surface water activities and strengthen the protections for the area and the wildlife," he said.
The report identifies a number of impacts on the area’s nature and wilderness, as well as the overall experience of thearea.
These included seeing other boats, more boats present and staying for longer in the remote fiords, increased use of aircraft for access to boats, crowding on moorings and anchorages, and a potential loss of boatie etiquette on the water.
The majority of operators approached for comment yesterday said they were not aware of the proposed changes.
However, Pure Salt Charters owner Maria Kuster welcomed the move.
"It is something that has been in the making for a long time and we’ve been huge advocates for the need for it because in the last few years alone we’ve seen a massive increase in the use."
The Southern Fiords was an area particularly impacted by increased activity, she said.
The plan change would be available for public consultation in the middle of the year.
By Luisa Girao and Ben Tomsett
