The Department of Conservation wants to create surfing reserves or national parks at six popular surf breaks around the country, with the waters off the Catlins settlement flagged.
Tourism Catlins co-ordinator Kim Dodds did not know about the proposal until contacted by the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
Trustees of the organisation were meeting next week and the item would be placed on the agenda. A formal response might be made after that meeting, she said.
In its proposed coastal policy, Doc identifies the Papatowai coastline and five other spots along coastal New Zealand as areas that should be protected from "inappropriate use and development".
That should be done, the policy said, by ensuring activities in those coastal marine areas did not adversely affect the surf breaks.
Steps should also be taken to avoid or remedy any adverse effects on those areas so their access, use and enjoyment was not compromised.
The other surf breaks earmarked for similar protection are the Shipwrecks in Ahipara; Raglan; Stent Road in Taranaki; Wairarapa's White Rock; and Mangamaunu near Kaikoura.
Hearings into the proposed policy will finish in mid-December and recommendations will then be sent to the conservation minister.
