Environment Southland (ES) has announced a ground-breaking proposal to eradicate marine pests from waters in Fiordland.
The Fiordland Marine Pathway Plan, which will be open to the public for submissions on April 9, is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
ES biosecurity manager Richard Bowman said marine pests, such as seaweeds, fan worms, sea squirts and crabs, were a threat to nature in the Fiordland area.
They could have a significant impact on commercial fisheries and tourism industries which were crucial to the region's economy, he said.
The plan aimed to prevent marine pests from reaching Fiordland rather than responding after a pest had arrived.
"Trying to manage or remove pests once they are established is extremely challenging and very costly,'' Mr Bowman said.
The plan was designed to work with the existing Regional Pest Management Strategy and would establish clean vessel and gear standards for all boats, including kayaks, entering Fiordland.
A clean vessel pass, valid for a year, would be issued to boat users to ensure standards were met.
Cruise ships were already required to meet clean vessel standards, he said.
The plan was developed in conjunction with the Ministry for Primary Industries, Department of Conservation, Ngai Tahu and the Fiordland Marine Guardians.
It was proposed as part of a long-running programme to protect Fiordland.
