Date:  07 December 2018

Twelve unique wooden poupou, which were originally placed in Charles Sound in 2014, now stand guard in the fiord replacing the traditional white triangle marine markers.

The poupou are part of a collaborative project between the Fiordland Marine Guardians, DOC, and local iwi on behalf of Ngāi Tahu. Bubba Thompson (Te Rūnanga o Awarua) designed and carved each unique poupou.

“We’ve already had lots of positive feedback about their presence in the fiord. Many visitors said they really enjoyed seeing the poupou and we hope it starts a conversation about the importance of protecting our marine environment.”

Wooden pou were first unveiled in a special ceremony in Charles Sound in 2014. However, due to the harsh nature of Fiordland and their isolation they were replaced with stainless steel ones. Installation was completed in Doubtful Sound last week.

The Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area has 10 marine reserves including three in Doubtful Sound; Taipari Roa (Elizabeth Island), Kuta Parera (Gaer Arm) and Te Awaatu Channel (The Gut). All fish and marine life are protected in marine reserves with all fishing, both commercial and non-commercial, prohibited.

Users of the Fiordland Marine Area are encouraged to download the user guide ‘Beneath the Reflections’ from the Fiordland Marine Guardians website or head to Fiordland marine reserves for more information.

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