Last week Cruise Passenger reported that the New Zealand government is currently considering a proposal called ‘Milford Opportunities Project’ that would include a ban on all cruise ships to Milford Sound. However, the reasoning behind the decision is surprising.
New Zealand over recent cruise seasons has heightened it’s biofouling restrictions, capturing headlines as cruise ships were turned away from Milford Sound and other national parks due to not meeting environmental standards. Given this, one might assume that the reasons behind the possible ban are environmentally motivated.
In reality, the reasoning behind the ban is purely aesthetic. The Milford Opportunities masterplan proposal says it plans to “prohibit cruise ships from entering Milford Sound Piopiotahi as it is causing visual impacts that are not in keeping with the beautiful natural setting and intent of the vision of the plan.”
The extensive document makes no mention to the environmental impact of cruise ships, and the Ministry for Primary Industries explained that they actually met with the team of the project, and told them they are satisfied that cruise ships aren’t having a negative environmental impact.
A spokesperson for the department said “MPI is comfortable that risks associated by cruise ships in relation to biofouling are adequately managed – noting Environment Southland also has a part to play in cruise vessels visiting Milford Sound. “We did meet with the project team at their request, but as noted, we believe current measures in place for biofouling risk associated with international vessels arriving in New Zealand are strong.”
In fact, despite having some of toughest biosecurity laws for cruise ships in the world, New Zealand only had to turn away just one ship last year.
“We cannot compromise on biosecurity as we know that almost 90% of the exotic marine species already in New Zealand likely arrived here as marine growth on the submerged surfaces of international vessels. These sorts of pests can adversely impact New Zealand’s environment, unique marine ecosystems, aquaculture industry, and economy.
“We work closely with all cruise lines that come to New Zealand, to help them understand our biofouling rules and to enable them to be compliant.
“There is high awareness about New Zealand’s biofouling rules and a keenness to comply. Last season only one of the vessels that visited New Zealand here for approximately 1100 port visits did not enter our waters because it was unable to meet biofouling standards.”
A spokesperson for New Zealand Tourism Minister Hon Matt Doocey confirmed that the proposal is being reviewed, and that he wants to “allow time” to consider the proposal and decide what actions to carry out.
However, he has in the past indicated he is not in sympathy with a cruise ban.
In January, Doocey said: “For me as Minister for Tourism it’s about how we enable tourism, to ensure that we get valuable tourists coming in to Milford and actually they get a quality experience.”
“If you look at the suggestion that we ban cruise boats in Milford. That’s something that I would not look to support, or the banning of fixed wing planes.”
Cruise Lines International Association Australasia told Cruise Passenger: “Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural assets and the international cruise industry is strongly committed to protecting its unique environment and cultural significance.
“Cruise operations in the sound are limited and generally involve short scenic visits, usually for brief periods in the early morning or late afternoon rather than the full-day calls hosted by most other New Zealand destinations. No more than two ships may visit on any given day and the sound is clear of cruise ships for the overwhelming majority of the time, including during the summer season. All ships visiting New Zealand’s Fiordland are required to sign a deed of agreement with Environment Southland which enables managed access to the Southland coast while at the same time fostering and promoting the sustainable management of the region’s internal waters.
“Ships also operate under extensive regulations at the international level including International Maritime Organization (IMO) measures governing emission standards and water protection.
“Cruise visits are a scheduled, planned and managed form of tourism conducted in partnership with local authorities and tourism operators. The cruise industry will continue to work closely with New Zealand authorities to ensure the appropriate management of cruise tourism and does not believe additional restrictions are necessary.
“Though Milford Sound hosts only brief visits by cruise ships, it remains a key consideration in cruise passenger decisions when travelling to New Zealand and helps bring economic benefits to many other regional ports and communities. “
Cruise passengers feel that aesthetics alone isn’t a justification for such an impactful decision.
What are people saying?
Cruise Passenger’s previous article received many responses from aggrieved cruisers.
One cruiser wrote: “I am a New Zealander and have cruised around NZ 6 times now. Many people ask me, why cruise around your own country. My reply, because I love cruising into Milford Sound. It’s breath-taking.
“If the Government close down cruising to this part of the world they are CRAZY!
“It’s only for six months of the year and it would be selfish of the Government to deny any cruise ship entry to what I think is one of the best experiences of any cruise to NZ.”
Other cruises expressed fear that this could lead to less cruise not only in New Zealand but in Australia as well.
“Seems like this will have more of an impact on New Zealand tourism and economy and hasten the Cruise Lines to abandon both New Zealand and Australia.
“If there are cruise ships how is that causing visual impacts that are not in keeping with the beautiful natural setting, more often than not showing the difference in size compared to the area enhances the views.”
Cruiser Andrew Hellewell wrote: “Closing Milford Sound to cruise vessels will be the death nell of New Zealand tourism, I certainly won’t be back spending my hard earned Aussie dollars in a country that is against tourism.
“We might as well close the Great Barrier Reef to New Zealanders.”
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