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Undaria control in Fiordland

Environment Southland, the Department of Conservation and Biosecurity New Zealand, with support from the Fiordland Marine Guardians, have been working together on an intensive control programme for Undaria in Fiordland since 2010. The original response began in Te Puaitaha/Breaksea Sound, although the focus continues to evolve overtime as Undaria has established at other sites.

In 2021, Jobs for Nature funding provided an opportunity for a refreshed approach with the large-scale removal of Undaria from Te Puaitaha/Breaksea Sound. Unfortunately, an incursion was identified in Tamatea/Dusky Sound during this time which prompted a Fiordland-wide survey to understand the full extent of Undaria in Fiordland. This was the first of its kind and the team surveyed high-risk areas from Rakituma/Preservation Inlet to Taitetimu/Caswell Sound. No Undaria or other marine pests were found outside of the known areas.

Although the control area is now larger, progressive containment of Undaria to the known locations is still the goal. The elimination of Undaria from Taiari/Chalky Inlet was declared successful in March 2024, and our focus is now:

  • Managing the known sites in the Te Puaitaha/Breaksea Sound – Tamatea/Dusky Sound complex
  • Undertaking surveillance to ensure Undaria is not spreading beyond the known areas
  • Increasing education and compliance efforts to ensure Fiordland users understand the risks and requirements of this special area.

What you can do to help

The highest risk of Undaria getting to a new area in Fiordland is by accidental spread from boats, marine gear (ropes, chains, anchors, pots etc.) and onboard seawater. This risk applies to all marine pests.

  • Know the rules, apply for your Clean Vessel Pass before entering Fiordland and keep it current.
  • All vessels operating in the FMA must hold a Clean Vessel Pass and comply with the clean vessel, clean gear, and residual seawater standards.
  • Always look out for Undaria and other new marine pests within the FMA. Take a good-quality photo, GPS location and report anything unusual to Environment Southland on 0800 76 88 45.
  • Leave it where you found it! Small fragments of Undaria can spread and take hold quickly. If you pull Undaria or something unusual up on your anchor chain or a mooring line, photograph it and return it to the same location.
  • Find out where Undaria is established within the FMA and take appropriate steps not to transport it outside an infested area.
  • Learn about the Undaria Exemption Area and ensure that your hull, marine gear and equipment, including lobster pots, mooring lines and dive gear, is free of Undaria before leaving this area. All onboard residual seawater collected in the Exemption Area must be treated or discarded within the Exemption Area.

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