As part of a joint agency work programme to protect the unique Fiordland marine environment from the damage caused by marine pest species, Environment Southland has launched a new register to help keep a track of vessels visiting Fiordland.

The Vessels Intentions Register is a way for the owners and operators of moored boats to notify their intention to travel to Fiordland, and enable the Council and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand to monitor vessel movements in this most sensitive of marine environments.

Environment Southland Compliance Manager Mark Hunter said the register would enable timely biosecurity information to be passed on and checks to ensure boats have thorough hull maintenance and antifouling coatings.

"Dirty boats spread marine pests, so regular cleaning and antifouling are vitally important," Mr Hunter said. "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."

Marine pest species can overrun native ecosystems, choking out native flora and fauna, damaging the environment and becoming a nuisance for marine farmers, tourism operators, fishing industry and boaties alike. For that reason, the Southland Regional Pest Management Strategy and Coastal Plan outlaws travelling into the Fiords with a fouled hull and also discharging ballast within the Fiords,.

Mr Hunter said the Vessels Intentions Register was a voluntary measure. Details will be kept in confidence by Environment Southland and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand.

Boaties can access the register to log their intended visit at: www.es.govt.nz/environment/coast/maritime/vessel-intentions.aspx

Any questions about the register can be addressed to: service@es.govt.nz

Environment Southland and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand have some simple advice for boaties to help keep Fiordland's waters in their current pristine condition:

Keep your moored boat hull clean and well antifouled

If you're taking a boat over land to Fiordland, or taking marine equipment into the fiords, please make sure your boat and trailer are dry and free of fouling material and any equipment to be used in the ocean is clean and completely air dried before you move it.

When you're cruising the Fiordland waters, please report any unusual organisms, mass mortality or illness among any marine species to 0800 80 99 66 straight away.

Environment Southland and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand are working in partnership with the Fiordland Marine Guardians, Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation and Ministry of Fisheries to enact the Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy. The Vessels Intention Register is a part of that effort.