Past and present Guardians and others gathered in Te Anau late last month and then went out on the water.
Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds was at the celebrations to congratulate the group on its anniversary.
The Guardians said in a statement community concerns about the degradation of Fiordland’s marine environment started in the 1990s and a range of local interests developed a conservation strategy to address the risks identified.
The group, known as the Guardians of Fiordland, realised many of their proposed solutions did not fit under existing legislation.
Legislation was needed which reflected both Fiordland’s special nature and the unique management solutions the community had designed.
The Fiordland Marine Management Act came into law in 2005.
Mrs Simmonds said the new Act set a new benchmark by combining strong marine protection with a locally led approach which drew on the deep knowledge of the Fiordland community.
Over the 20 the Guardians have implemented 10 marine reserves, brought in innovative fishing and anchorage rules and new coastal resource management rules.
Guardians chairwoman Dr Rebecca McLeod said work currently focused on fisheries sustainability, marine biosecurity and resource management.
‘‘But at the heart of all these issues is human behaviour, so a big part of a mahi involves building relationships, storytelling and education.’’— Allied Media
