New Zealand to ban felt-soled wading boots to protect rivers

The New Zealand Ministry of Conservation agreed last week to a ban on felt-soled wading boots used for freshwater fishing. The decision has yet to be formally approved, but in that event, the ban would take place on October 1, 2008. The ban will apply to the use of felt-soled waders or footwear incorporating or having attached a sole of felted, matted or woven fibrous material.

This is a big move as felt-soled boots are considered a “high risk vector or carrier of microscopic aquatic organisms like didymo.” The onslaught of such organisms, otherwise referred to as Aquatic Nuisance Species, may in fact inspire legislation in other places that want to protect the health of their pristine rivers. Although the New Zealand ban affects the fishing world, as governments focus on protecting rivers, preventative measures may come to the paddling, camping and outdoor adventure world as well.