How You Can Help

Save Hector's & Maui's dolphins

Photo credit: Steve Dawson

  • Email the Minister of Fisheries  or write to him (Parliament Buildings, Wellington - freepost) urging an immediate extension of the fishing restrictions around Taranaki (to protect the critically endangered Maui’s dolphins) and removal of the fishing exemption at Kaikoura. You can also ask him to extend the fishing restrictions to ensure that Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins are fully protected throughout their range 
  • Email Minister of Conservation or send her a letter (Parliament Buildings, Wellington - freepost) or write to her (Parliament Buildings, Wellington - freepost) asking her to extend the offshore boundaries of the North Island and Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuaries, to establish a Marine Mammal Sanctuary off the West Coast of the South Island and to implement management plans for each sanctuary.
  • Email or write to your local MP and ask them to support the new Marine Mammal Sanctuaries and extend protection where it's needed.
  • Familiarise yourself with the set net restrictions in your area. Illegal set netting is widespread in New Zealand waters, where an estimated 60,000 amateurs use set nets. Report any illegal use of set nets to the Ministry of Fisheries: 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224).
  • Use ‘no wake’ speed around dolphins in the water. Adhere to the rules and guidelines set by DOC for correct boat use around these animals. If you see a dolphin being harassed call DOC immediately on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
  • Report any sightings of hector’s or maui’s dolphins to DOC. This information will help government make decisions about any further protection measures needed. If you're not sure you're identifying the right dolphin click here for a quick reference guide.
  • If you find a stranded or dead dolphin report it to DOC staff on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
  • Be careful where and how you use set nets. If dolphins are seen in the area, remove your net from the water and ask others to do the same.
  • Keep New Zealand clean. Pick up litter you see in the gutter or on the beach and take part in beach clean ups.
  • Use your buying power to influence fishing practices. Support sustainable fishing methods, those that don’t catch marine mammals. Contact Forest and Bird for a copy of their Best Fish Guide or Greenpeace for their Red Fish List Guide.

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