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Practical user information

Marine mammals

This section describes some of the common marine mammals that can be seen in Fiordland. It also sets out guidelines for boating near marine mammals, to protect them from harm that you may, even unintentionally, cause them. The growing public interest in marine mammals and the expansion of sea-based tourism present new threats to marine mammals. These threats include boat strike, noise pollution, harassment, displacement and separation of mothers and their young. This section also includes information on the particular care required around one of Fiordland’s special inhabitants, the bottlenose dolphins of Doubtful Sound/Patea.

Fiordland’s waters are home to, or are visited by, a diverse range of marine mammal species. The most common marine mammals that you are likely to see are:

• Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) – archetypal dolphin, up to 4 m long with a grey body. Found in many of the fiords, especially Doubtful/Patea and Dusky Sounds.
• Dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) – smaller dolphin up to 2 m long, with a black back and black and grey dorsal fin. The throat and belly are white and there are two obvious patches of grey on the flanks. Found mainly on the outer coast but can also be found in the fiords.
• Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) – similar in size and colouration to the Dusky dolphin. The most noticeable difference is they have a longer more slender beak and lack the obvious stripes on their flank.

• 
  Southern right whale (tohora).
  DON GOODHUE
  

  Southern right whale (tohora) (Eubalaena australis) – large black whale distinguished by arched mouth line, white callosities on the head and the lack of a dorsal fin. Sighting information of these whales is vitally important to a national study of the species, and you are urged to contact the Department of Conservation as soon as possible if you see one.
• Humpback whale (paikea) (Megaptera novaeangliae) – large whale with very long narrow flippers and series of round protrusions on the head and lower jaw, making them easily recognisable at close range.
• Sperm whale (paraoa) (Physeter macrocephalus)
  • large whale with very large blunt head, humped ridge along back and wrinkly skin. Blowhole points forwards.
• New Zealand fur seal (kekeno) (Arctocephalus forsteri) – dark grey/brown, pointy nose, long whiskers, males larger than females growing up to 180 kg.

Boating around marine mammals

All marine mammals are protected by law under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 and the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992. These regulations aim to minimise the threats to marine mammals by setting out the appropriate behaviour for all people around them. Some of the general guidelines are given below.

Whales Approach no closer than 50 m Maximum 3 boats within 300 m Swimming with whales is not permitted

Dolphins Departure speed may be gradually increased to out-distance dolphins Maximum 3 boats within 300 m Travel no faster than idle or no-wake speed within 300 m

On the water

• Slow down if you see marine mammals and avoid sudden changes of course, or sudden or loud noise.
• Use a ‘no wake’ or idle speed when within 300 m of any marine mammals.
• When you leave a group of marine mammals, increase your speed slowly and stay below 10 knots until you are 300 m away.
• Approach on a course that is parallel to the animals, and from slightly to the rear, or give them a wide berth.
• Never put your boat in reverse when near marine mammals.
• If a dolphin approaches you, maintain your course and slow to an idle.
• No more than three boats are allowed within 300 m of marine mammals at any one time.
• Boats must stay at least 50 m away from whales.
• Swimming with whales is not permitted.

If you are lucky enough to see a whale, please note down as many details as you can and contact the Department of Conservation. This is especially important if you spot a southern right whale.

On land

• Stay higher up the shore from seals resting on land to ensure their escape route is not blocked.
• Move in a group or single file, at no faster than walking pace, when within 50 m of seals and do not approach closer than 10 m.
• Keep well away from seal colonies during the mating season, as the bulls can be very aggressive.

Doubtful Sound bottlenose dolphin population

Doubtful Sound/Patea is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins. It is one of the southernmost resident populations of this species in the world and it is morphologically (ie, in form), socially, and ecologically distinct from other groups of bottlenose dolphins.

Research has been carried out on this population over the last 15–20 years, and estimates indicate an unsustainable decline in abundance by at least a third since 1994. The latest estimate in 2008 put the population of dolphins at just 56. The cause of the decline is not known, but may include human-related factors such as vessel activity and habitat modification.

Management measures were introduced in 2008 to increase the protection for the Doubtful Sound bottlenose dolphins. These include guidelines for the way vessels operate in Doubtful Sound/Patea; education and public awareness; and a research and monitoring programme to gain more information on the cause of the decline.

The management measures for Doubtful Sound/Patea are outlined below. The measures aim to minimise the potential impacts of vessels on the dolphins by reducing the amount and duration of interactions between them and boats. These measures are additional to the Marine Mammal Protection Regulations 1992, and all users, both recreational and commercial, are encouraged to adopt them.

Dolphin Protection Zones have been put in place in some parts of the Doubtful Sound complex. These consist of 200 m-wide strips along the fiord edge (see map) that have restricted access for vessels:

• if dolphins are not present you can enter these zones to access fishing and diving spots, anchorages and shore features, using the most direct route in and out
• do not enter the Dolphin Protection Zones if dolphins are present
• if dolphins approach while you are in the Dolphin Protection Zones and you are stationary, please let them pass before moving off. If you are already moving, stay on the same heading where safe to do so
• speed in the Dolphin Protection Zones must be 5 knots or idle (as required by Navigation Safety Bylaws 2003).

Throughout the remainder of the Doubtful Sound complex, dolphin encounters are to be left to chance or are to be initiated by dolphins; that is, vessels should not seek out the dolphins. Please do not use your radio to tell others where the dolphins are located.

Extra caution should be taken between December and March, when there are very young calves in the group.

For further information about the rules and regulations around marine mammals, or the new protection measures for Doubtful Sound/ Patea, visit www.doc.govt.nz or contact the Department of Conservation (see ‘Contact information’ section at the back of this guide).

Diving in the fiords

The variety of diving and the abundance of marine life help make Fiordland one of the world’s premier places to dive. Many of Fiordland’s marine habitats are fragile and delicate and contain long-lived, slow-growing organisms. When diving in the fiords, please look after the environment you are immersed in.

Fiordland is distant from medical facilities. Its distinctive marine environment creates unique diving conditions such as low light, a cold freshwater layer, steep walls and strong tidal currents in some places. It is particularly important that divers are appropriately trained and plan their dives carefully, including accounting for any travel to altitude following diving.

It is recommended that boats carry medical oxygen for diving emergencies.

General diving guidelines

• Dive carefully and respect all underwater life. Find out about the species you are looking at and respect them in their home.
• Dive from a drifting boat, or use a mooring if one is available; avoid anchoring.
• Look, but do not touch. Handling will often create unnecessary stress to organisms. Avoid contact with marine life on the sheer rock walls and sea floor.
• Resist the urge to collect souvenirs or trophies.
• It is illegal to take or harm protected species. Red and black coral are classed as protected.
• Be aware of, and adhere to, fish and shellfish limits. Remember that the limits in Fiordland are different inside and outside the fiords, and are different from elsewhere in New Zealand. (See ‘Fisheries information and guidelines’ section).
• When collecting shellfish be mindful of the way you take them off the rock; they are easily damaged.
• Measure shellfish before coming up from your dive/snorkel, leaving undersized shellfish where you found them. Throwing shellfish overboard from a vessel invariably leads to them lying upturned on the sea floor, reducing their chances of survival.
• Control your buoyancy, and be aware of yourself and your equipment, especially your fins. Try to keep your fins from dragging on bottom-dwelling animals and plants.
• Keep snorkelling and diving equipment clean to minimise the spread of pest plants or animals, especially when coming into Fiordland.
• Make the most of activities that have no impact, such as observation and photography.

Jet skiing and water-skiing prohibited

Rule 16.3.1 of the Regional Coastal Plan for Southland prohibits water-skiing, parasailing or the use of personal water craft (PWC or jet skis) in the internal waters of Fiordland. These activities are regarded as inappropriate in an area where peace and quiet is a significant value.

The Regional Coastal Plan is administered by Environment Southland, the regional council covering this area.

Pollution

This section provides guidance on managing discharges and other waste from your vessel to avoid polluting the fragile Fiordland marine environment. It also describes the huge shoreline clean-ups that have helped remove rubbish from 450 km of this coast.

Discharges of contaminants into the sea can have a range of effects, even when in small amounts. Similarly, throwing things over the side can cause ongoing damage.

Discharging sewage

If you have a holding tank fitted, use land-based, pump-out facilities for sewage, where provided.

If you don’t have a holding tank, or have to empty your holding tank at sea to discharge sewage, the Resource Management (Marine Pollution) Regulations 1998 stipulate that you must be:

• more than 500 m from shore and in water over 5 m deep
• more than 200 m from a marine reserve
• not near to other boats, swimmers or other people using the water.

However, it is better practice to discharge sewage outside the fiords.

General waste management

Some useful tips:

• be responsible when handling hydrocarbons (including petrol, diesel and heavier fuel oils)
• take out with you what you take in
• retain all non-biodegradable rubbish on board and bring this out with you when your trip has finished in Fiordland
• cans are a good alternative to bottles as they can be crushed afterwards
• be mindful of discarding vegetable matter, fish frames and food scraps in enclosed shallow anchorages where tidal flushing is minimal.

Oil spills

All ships should prevent spills, but in the case of any minor hydrocarbon spill, ships should have their own plan to clean up using absorbent pads.

Maritime New Zealand and Environment Southland have a comprehensive oil spill contingency plan for dealing with this threat in Fiordland.

If a spill occurs and the cleanup is beyond the capability of the ship, contact Maritime New Zealand through the Rescue Coordination Centre on the 24-hour emergency number: 0508 472 269 (note that Environment Southland will respond in the first instance).

If at sea, call the Maritime Operations Centre on VHF channel 16, and they will pass the information on to the Rescue Coordination Centre and to Environment Southland. If channel 16 is not accessible call one of the radio operators listed in the ‘Radio Communications’ section.

In the case of larger spills, the response may be escalated, and Environment Southland or Maritime New Zealand will manage the response.

If you see a source of pollution in Fiordland waters, including any oil spill, contact Environment Southland on the Southland area 24-hour pollution hotline: 0800 SOUTHLAND (0800 76 88 45).

 

 

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