Subantarctic islands minimum impact code - Department of ...

Wildlife Viewing
New Zealand’s subantarctic islands have internationally
significant populations of many species. It is your
responsibility to ensure you do not disturb any wildlife.
Give all wildlife the right of way – think about where
the animal wants to go and move to the side.
Get no closer than five metres to wildlife – this may be too
close at times for some species, e.g. penguins, fur seals.
Use your judgement and err on the side of caution.
Do not follow if wildlife retreats.
Crouch down when close to all wildlife - this is less
intimidating to most species.
Keep noise to a minimum.
Do not encircle any wildlife – always give them room
to move, keep in a close group in front of the animal/
bird so they can watch you easily.
Learn to identify the signs of wildlife in distress. This
includes clacking of bills, swivelling of heads etc.
Promptly follow any instructions given by the guide or
departmental representative.
Remember you and other members of your party will get
better photos if the wildlife you are viewing are not upset.
Right – Visitors arriving on Enderby Island. Colin Monteath
Below – Yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho). Andrew Maloney
Cover – Royal southern albatross (toroa) and sealion (rapoka).
Photos – DOC
Advocating for Conservation
As well as the islands themselves, the Department of
Conservation has a statutory role to protect marine mammals
and birds and to advocate for marine ecosystems.
Chumming
The practice of chumming – attracting seabirds by feeding
them – is illegal in the Auckland Islands Marine Reserve.
It is also discouraged elsewhere because it can change
the natural habits of the birds, encouraging them to follow
boats, increasing their risk of being caught or killed in
collision with boat lines. Over 10,000 birds are killed in this
way each year. Chumming also provides the potential for
the spread of disease.
Night Lights
Any lights on board ship at night, (including cabin lights)
can attract seabirds, which crash into vessels – often with
fatal consequences. Only the minimum lighting required for
navigation and safety should be used. Please keep your
cabin curtains closed at night to minimise this happening.
Further Information
For further information please contact:
Southern Islands Area office
Department of Conservation
PO Box 743, Invercargill 9840
Tel (03) 211 2400
Email: Invercargill@doc.govt.nz
www.doc.govt.nz
Published by
Department of Conservation
PO Box 743, Invercargill.
September 2008.
Crown Copyright
Subantarctic Islands
Minimum Impact Code
SOUTHLAND CONSERVANCY

A Pristine Environment
You are entering a unique and exceptional part of New
Zealand. Auckland, Antipodes, Bounty, Campbell/Motu
Ihupuku and Snares/Tini Heke Islands are among the world’s
wildest and most ecologically diverse places.
These subantarctic islands are classified as National Nature
Reserves under the Reserves Act, New Zealand’s highest
protected land status. This reflects their value – anyone
wanting to land must have a permit from the Department of
Conservation.
They have also been recognised for their rare and special
nature with their designation as a World Natural Heritage
Area in 1998.
The Department of Conservation is responsible for
protecting and preserving these islands in perpetuity. To be
one of the few people permitted to land each year is both
a privilege and a responsibility.
ALL visitors to these islands must strictly adhere to this
Minimum Impact Code, which is intended to minimise the
impact you have on the islands’ flora and fauna, while still
allowing you to enjoy your visit.
Minimising Your Impact
It is important that your visit causes the minimum
disturbance possible. Remember – the impact you make is
multiplied by every visitor to the islands.
The following rules will help minimise this impact:
Take only photos. The removal of natural or cultural
items is prohibited – this includes picking up stones etc.
Visitors must keep to formed tracks and boardwalks
where they exist and it is safe to do so.
All rubbish, including biodegradable waste, must be
removed from the islands.
Toilets are not provided on the islands. Please use the
toilets on your vessel prior to disembarking.
Smoking is only permitted on the coast at least five
metres away from any vegetation – all cigarette butts
must be removed.
No plants or animals are to be taken onto the islands.
Departmental Representative
On your trip a Department of Conservation
representative will be present to ensure that the
permit conditions concerning quarantine, wildlife
disturbance, general behaviour on the islands and other
legal requirements are followed. Please follow their
instructions, as well as those of the guides.
Personal Responsibility
It is both a privilege and a responsibility to visit the
Subantarctic Islands. A single seed or insect could
lead to the establishment of a new pest species
that can alter the islands forever. It has happened
elsewhere so your vigilance is required to ensure
this doesn’t happen here.
Please check your equipment against this personal
checklist.
Clean all clothing, equipment and accessories
thoroughly before each landing.
Look for stray seeds and dirt in pockets and
velcro fastenings.
Check your day pack and camera bag for seeds,
rodents and insects prior to going ashore.
Scrub your footwear before and after landing.
Boot washing facilities will be provided on board
your vessel.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Department
of Conservation representative if you have any
questions or concerns.
Visitors on boardwalk track, Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku.
Peter McClelland