PREDATOR FREE HALFMOON BAY PROJECT The Predator Fence Phil Bell, Department of Conservation Introduction The Predator-Free Halfmoon Bay Project seeks to eradicate kiore, ship rats, Norway rats, possums, feral cats and hedgehogs from an approx. 4800ha area encompassing the Halfmoon Bay/Oban town. This project is the starting point to creating predator-free Stewart Island The full island eradication requires significant research and development in new technologies before it can proceed, The Halfmoon Bay project would be undertaken using current tools and techniques, so that the environmental (and subsequent economic and social) benefits can be experienced by the island community within the immediate future It is proposed that a predator fence is constructed to delineate the operational area. The fence would stretch approx 7.5km, from North Arm to Maori Beach, See Map 1 below for the indicative placement of the fence ‘This Halfmoon Bay project cannot proceed without the fence. Without the fence, it would be impossible to stop predator species invading the operational Halfmoon Bay area from the rest of the island. Furthermore, if the fence is built, it will act as 2 line of defence for the rest of the island if an incursion were to occur in Halfmoon Bay after the entire island is made predator-free. Considerations for the fence ‘The ‘value’ of using predator fences There has been a debate with the scientific literature in recent times about the ‘value’ of using predator fences for conservation. The main argument has centred on the cost to maintain the fence relative to the area under protection, and the invasion rate into areas using predator fences. With regard to the Halfmoon Bay project, there is no other way of controlling predator invasion to a point of enabling eradication without the use of a predator fence. Given the peninsula nature and shape, this is 2 relatively efficient proposal (in terms of fence length to area ‘protected’. With the experiences gained around the country from other areas’ use of fences, the project proceeds from a strong knowledge base. Decisions can be made on how best to proceed with a fence, knowing the likely cost for maintenance and planning for the expected invasion rate, Inspection and maintenancePredator fences are not a ‘bulld and walk away strategy for predator eradication. The fence will require ongoing inspection (to ensure itis maintained in a good state) and maintenance on any faults, The predator fence at Maungatauti is inspected more generally weekly and then intensively every montht. Fallings in the fence (as a result of tree fall causing damage, or storm damage) have been identified as causes of predator incursions into fenced areas? Maungatautiri have learnt they need to respond to a breach (storm damage, etc) within 90 minutes to prevent such an incursion? Invasions Further to the above, a fence is not a ‘build and walk away’ strategy for defence — itwill not eliminate all predator invasions. Itwill greatly slow the invasion rate down, but (based on other fence situations) it will not completely remove them. The predator animals will, in all likelihood, be commonly present directly behind the fence, creating invasion pressure. There may need to be some level of predator control on the outside of the fence to reduce the invasion pressure against it (until such time as the entire island is predator free). The key is to be prepared — if you expectto be invaded, you can better plan for it. A biosecurity plan will be required in order to design and implement the detection system required to detect the invading animals as soon as they arrive, and respond accordingly. Placement in the landscape The best position for a predator fence to take is to follow the ridgelines as it crosses from coast to coast In this way, the fence does not have to cross any major waterways — waterways intersecting the fence line are recognised as points of weakness in preventing animals passing thought. The indicative placement (see Map 1) is the only feasible location that avoids crossing major waterways, while remaining entirely on public conservation land. The land tenure (all one ‘owner'/steward, DOC) makes it simpler to obtain approval to construct the fence. Consent requirements Building a predator fence will trigger a number of consenting requirements. However, the Resource Management Act (s4) states that work done by the Crown within the boundaries of any land held or managed under the Conservation Act 1987 is exempt from land use requirements (i.¢, district plan consenting requirements). As such, if DOC is the likely applicant itis likely that the fence would qualify for this exemption (provided that consultation between Southland District Council and DOC confirmed that the fence proposal was consistent with the * Bums, B., Innes, J., and Day, T (2012) The Use and Potential of Pest-Proof Fencing for Ecosystem Restoration ‘and Fauna Conservation in New Zealand, in Somers, MJ. and Hayward, M.W. (eds) Fencing for conservation: Restriction of Evolutionary Potential or a Riposte to Threatening Processes?, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012. 2 ibid 3K. Broome, pers. comm, “Bums, B,, Innes, J., and Day, T (2012) The Use and Potential of Pest-Proof Fencing for Ecosystem Restoration ‘and Fauna Conservation in New Zealand, in Somers, MJ. and Hayward, M.W. (eds) Fencing for conservation: Restriction of Evolutionary Potential or a Riposte to Threatening Processes?, Springer Science+Business Media, LUc 2012.purposes of s4), However, consent will be required for the ends of the fences, as these will enter the area governed by the Regional Coastal Plan (with Environment Southland as the consenting authority) If DOC is not the applicant, all relevant land use consents would need to be applied for and obtained. A preliminary report has been compiled (by Anna Cameron, DOC planner) further explaining the consenting environment, and outlining the requirements associated with this project. This report is to be provided to the Governance Board members for consideration in due course