Doubtful Sound bottlenose dolphins
The bottlenose dolphins found in Fiordland's Doubtful Sound/Patea form a small resident population living at one of the southernmost locations in the world for this species. Research has shown that this population has decreased by at least a third since 1994, with the latest estimate in 2008 at fifty six dolphins.
The causes behind the decline are not well understood but may include human-related effects such as vessel activity and habitat modification. To help minimise the potential impact of vessel activity on the dolphins, a new set of protection measures were introduced in 2008, and are outlined in the 'Doubtful Sound Marine Mammal Code of Management'.
Bottlenose dolphins
In addition to the Marine Mammal Protection Regulations (1992), Dolphin Protection Zones have been established in certain parts of the Doubtful Sound complex and are areas which extend 200m from the shore where motorised vessels are not permitted (View a map of the Doubtful Sound dolpin protection zones, JPG, 122K). If dolphins are not visible within this zone, entry is permitted by the most direct route for reasons such as viewing of shore features, access to anchorages or diving/fishing spots, or for agency management work.
Also, the Code of Management outlines that dolphin encounters within Doubtful Sound are now to be left to chance. This means encounters initiated by dolphins are permitted but vessels should not deviate from their intended route for the purpose of encountering dolphins.
The Code of Management forms only one part of the strategy to increase the protection of the Doubtful Sound/Patea bottlenose dolphin population along with monitoring, research, education and increasing public awareness.
If you are going to Doubtful Sound, please download the Doubtful Sound Bottlenose Dolphins - brochure (PDF, 517K) and familiarise yourself with these protection measures.
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