Environment Southland (ES) has begun consultation on a proposed change to the Regional Coastal Plan, which would see temporary restrictions on commercial surface water activities in Fiordland.

ES say concerns have been raised about the increasing pressure these activities are having on the highly valued Ata Whenua Fiordland area. 

In response to these concerns, council commissioned a report which highlighted the impacts increasing commercial surface water activity is having on Fiordland, and the risks that exist if no action is taken to relieve the pressure the area is currently facing.

Environment Southland chairman Nicol Horrell says the Fiordland Coastal Marine Area is a particularly special place.

“The report reinforced the need for Council to take action now ahead of the full Regional Coastal Plan review. 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.” 

The changes will restrict the granting of new or additional consents in the area.

The plan change, which is in the initial stages of consultation with stakeholders and consent holders until late April, will be available for public consultation mid-year.

ES says, report identifies a number of things impacting on the nature and wilderness, as well as the overall experience in the area. 

These include seeing other boats, more boats present in the more remote fiords and staying for longer, increased use of aircraft for access to boats, crowding on moorings and anchorages, and a potential loss of boatie etiquette on the water.

The process for this plan change centres around three periods of consultation;

1. From 5-27 April will involve key stakeholders who have an active interest in the changes being proposed, plus consent holders in the Fiordland area.
2. Further consultation to be undertaken with iwi.
3. The public will be consulted from approximately mid-July.

After each of these consultations, adjustments may be made to the proposals based on the feedback received.

The full report and factsheet on the proposed plan change is available here: https://www.es.govt.nz/about-us/plans-and-strategies/regional-plans/coastal-plan/proposed-plan-change-2022