The Guardians' Vision

That the quality of Fiordland's Marine Environment and Fisheries, including the wider fishery experience, be maintained or improved for future generations to use and enjoy.

Welcome to the Fiordland Marine Guardians

Beneath Fiordland's reflections lies a unique marine environment. This environment offers remarkable opportunities for diving, fishing and exploring.

However, Fiordland's marine environment is highly susceptible to adverse impacts caused by recreationists, fishers and other users. Your use of the Fiordland marine environment comes with responsibilities for its protection.

Increased human access has had implications for Fiordland's underwater landscape, the sustainability of its fish populations and the potential for invasion by marine pests.

The Fiordland Marine Guardians are community representatives who advise central and local government agencies on how to manage the Fiordland marine environment. The Guardians' bottom-up, community management model embodies a philosophy that is both integrated and holistic - 'integrated' in that the community is involved in working together with government agencies and 'holistic' in that all factors affecting Fiordland's coastal marine environment are being considered as a whole.

Community management in Fiordland relies on visitors to the Fiordland Marine Area committing to the new regulations that apply to the area. These regulations are designed to improve the sustainability of fish stocks and protect the notable features of the Fiordland marine environment.

A practical user's guide for people visiting the Fiordland Marine Area has been produced to inform visitors about the rules and regulations contained in the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Management Act 2005 and associated changes to fisheries regulations.

The Guide to Responsible Fishing in Fiordland sets out the commercial and recreational fishing regulations for Fiordland. The Diving Care Code for Fiordland provides information on diver safety and diving guidelines in this unique environment. You can avoid bringing marine pests into the fiords by following some simple steps.