Fishing News index > Felt-soled wading boots ban

The Department of Conservation have taken new steps to protect sports fisheries from Didymo

The following is an abridge extract of a Department Of Conservation media release dated 2 September 2008:
To reduce the risk of didymo spread, Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today agreed to the New Zealand Fish and Game Council recommendation to restrict the use of footwear with felt soles by fishing licence holders.

Our world-famous trout fisheries are threatened by the invasive alga ‘rock snot’, or didymo. While didymo is currently only in some South Island rivers, it could be easily spread to other places and we are taking these steps now to protect our precious waterways,” Steve Chadwick said. 

The new condition is part of the Anglers Notice and comes into affect from the beginning of the fishing season on 1 October.

The New Zealand Fish and Game Council has recommended that people who hold a licence to fish for trout, and other sports fish, should contribute to halt the spread of didymo by not using felt-soled waders when fishing.

It is important that fishers realise that this does not remove the risk of didymo spread – it will address one particularly high risk.  The ‘Check Clean Dry’ practice is critical to fight against didymo and anglers have a special responsibility to help care for the trout fisheries that are the basis of their sport.  I urge them to continue to vigilantly follow Biosecurity guidelines.

The Department of Conservation and Fish and Game councils will be asked to increase their monitoring and education work relating to other vectors of didymo as part of the Biosecurity NZ nationwide campaign.
 
What does the Anglers Notice say about Felt Soles?

In the First Schedule of the Anglers Notice it states under 2.4 that no person shall fish for sports fish by using felt-soled waders or footwear incorporating or having attached a sole of felted, matted or woven fibrous material when sports fishing.

What happens if anglers continue to wear felt soled waders while sports fishing?

Anglers are subject to compliance checks by Fish & Game Rangers.  The use of felt soles for sports fishing will be an offence under the ‘using unauthorised tackle or gear’ category of the Anglers Notice.

What can Anglers do with their felt sole waders now?

A number of shoe repair outlets are now looking at the options for replacement soles for waders.  While we have not been informed of any within this region at the time of submitting this article it may well be worth your while enquiring what your local shoe repair shop can offer.  Sole Savers of Napier are reported to be replacing felt soles with alternative soles for an estimated price of $55.  For further details contact Sole Savers direct on (06) 835 8296.

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