NZ Dolphin Conservatory

So, I’m not sure how many of you know the area of Banks Peninsula well, but a good, stable population of Hector’s dolphins live in and around the Akaroa Harbour and bays that make up the Peninsula.
Since the Threat Management Plan for Hector’s and Māui was released late 2020, only a small portion of the area has seen additional measures enforced to protect the species.
The additional measures include the removal of set netting within 12 nm, in places, but set netting remains in harbours. (Ludicrous!)
Trawl fishing remains unchanged which is a major risk to the species - and for many others.
The additions to the marine mammal sanctuary - as some are aware, only applies to seismic activities such as sea bed mining and gas exploration, which was in force anyway under the relevant Act, so the protections which came into affect on October 1, were in essence, in action already.

We now have “death zones” - aptly named due to the many areas in-between the protected zones which offer little, or no protections. Instead, they give an opportunity for fisheries to creep in and infiltrate the fish stocks in these areas over time, creating a truly dangerous outcome for the Hector’s.

In a nutshell, I’ve sought legal advice by the way of an RMA barrister.

He’s setting out a legal directive addressed to the regional council, based on the Motiti decision outcome, and more. I’m very excited about this!

Watch this space!
Fundraising for the $ in the coming weeks. I’ll need to raise up to $5,000.

Photo: Rob Pine

KEEP ORCA SAFE OVER SUMMER
Remember over the coming summer months that whales and dolphins deserve a break too – don’t crowd them in your boat (and don’t drive fast - or in front of them), take a moment to haul in your fishing line if they come close (yes, they do get tangled) and please keep your cray pot lines as short as you can make them. Thanks for making a difference - from the teams at Whale-Rescue.org and Orca Research Trust (and from the whales and dolphins!).

Please sign and share

Sign the Petition Tell ECan it MUST Protect the Hector’s Dolphins of Banks Peninsula.

It's business as usual for Maui and Hector's dolphins as the Government announces today, delays to the release of decisions on the Threat Management Plan.

Last year at least a dozen Hector's were reported killed in nets outside existing protected areas. Even the TMP allows for a hundred to die in fishing nets every year.

The delays in making a decision will see more dolphins lost.

Deaths at SeaWorld Australia.
Of which there are MANY.

How gorgeous is this little Hector’s baby!
Image:

Although LPC believes it has gone over and above what it “had to” by designing its Marine Mammal Management Plan for the new cruise berth project, they failed to protect the dolphins within the inner harbour.

If Hector’s dolphins are spotted feeding or swimming in this area during piling, the project carries on as usual.

This means, the dolphins are either trapped here for the duration of the piling, or they risk re-exposure to piling noise while trying to exit through the inner harbour entrance.

This is simply not good enough.

Did you know, through New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust, for just $40 you can adopt your very own Hector’s dolphin?
I know you want to!