The Vessels Intentions Register is an easy way for all recreational and professional boat users to help keep marine pests out of Fiordland.

By registering your intention to take your moored vessel into Fiordland, you will help us monitor boat movements in this most sensitive marine environment, and enable biosecurity compliance checks on hull maintenance and antifouling.

Dirty boats spread marine pests, so regular cleaning and antifouling are vitally important. Introduced pests such as the seaweed undaria 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. That's why the Southland Regional Coastal Plan outlaws travelling into the Fiords with a fouled hull and also discharging ballast within the Fiords.

And if you're taking your vessel 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.

The Vessels Intentions Register has been introduced as a voluntary measure. Details are kept in confidence by Environment Southland and MAF Biosecurity NZ. The information is not shared with any other government agency.