You can help bottlenose dolphin
When boating in the vicinity of dolphins, common sense rules apply and regulations exist so as disturbance and danger are minimised. General rules are outlined below:
- Operate your boat slowly and quietly at "no wake" speed
- Manoeuvre your boat sensitively near dolphins. Do not obstruct their path, cut through a group or separate mothers from calves
- Avoid sudden noises that could startle the animals
- Cooperate with others so all may see the dolphins without putting them at risk
- Only swim with dolphins with authorised tourist operators and avoid wearing suntan lotion as chemicals in the water can irritate the animals' eyes
- Do not swim with dolphins when calves or juveniles are present
- Do not try to touch dolphins or feed them
Bottlenose dolphin leaping,
Fiordland Marine Area
Aircraft should also maintain a safe distance of at least 150 metres from dolphins and should not fly directly overhead.
Keep their environment clean by carefully disposing of any rubbish in appropriate receptacle, plastic waste can be particularly hazardous when discarded near waterways or beaches.
Sightings of dolphins can be reported to the 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468). These are always of interest and help increase our knowledge of cetacean distribution and movements around New Zealand. Useful information includes:
- species/description
- location
- number of individuals
- estimated sizes
- what they appeared to be doing
- the direction in which they were headed.
If you see set nets being used within closed areas then contact the Ministry of Fisheries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224).
If you accidentally catch or harm a dolphin you have a legal obligation to report it as soon as possible, but within 48 hours, to DOC or MFish.
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Contacts
To report whale or dolphin sightings or strandings phone the DOC HOTline 24 hour emergency number:
0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468)