The Banks Peninsula marine mammal sanctuary in Canterbury was established in 1988 primarily to reduce set-net deaths of Hector's dolphins in the area.
The Marine Mammals Protection Regulations were introduced in 1992 to control marine mammal tourism activities.
Set-net controls were introduced to Canterbury in 2002 and in west coast North Island in 2003.
DOC, in a joint initiative with the Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) developed a Draft Threat Management Plan released in 2007. View the Draft plan - MFish website.
Since then additional fisheries restrictions have been implemented along with four new marine mammal sanctuaries and alterations to the Banks Peninsula marine mammal sanctuary.
Research and scientific studies continue to increase our knowledge about each sub-species' ecology, conservation status, life history, and threats.
Improved management practices are continually being sought for these dolphins in an attempt to ensure their survival into the future.