New Zealand Felt Sole Ban is Official

While there have been rumors that New Zealand’s Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick would not approve the proposed ban on felt soles in that country, today Chadwick announced that she will indeed follow the advice of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council. According to the Fish and Game New Zealand government Web site, “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 the national campaign to halt the spread of didymo by not using felt-soled waders when fishing.'”