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Native animals

Hector's dolphin

Ring DOC immediately on:

0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468)

Complete the whale and dolphin sighting form: (PDF, 87K), (Word, 98K)

Avoid using set nets, particularly when you cannot remain with your net. If you see dolphins in the area, please remove your nets from the water.
Please don't swim with the dolphins except with authorised tourist operators. If swimming near dolphins, avoid wearing suntan lotion or insect repellent as chemicals can irritate dolphin's eyes.
Do not try to touch dolphins.
If in a boat use a "no wake" speed within 300 metres of dolphins. Should you need to outdistance them, you may increase your speed gradually to a maximum of 10 knots.
Do not feed dolphins. Human food is harmful.
Keep their environment clean. Take your rubbish home, and if you find any floating at sea or on the coast, please pick it up.
Cooperate with others so all may see dolphins without putting them at risk.
Hector's dolphin killed in a set net
Contact the Ministry of Fisheries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224) if you see set nets being used within closed areas.
If you accidentally catch or harm a dolphin you must report it as soon as possible to DOC or Mfish.
If alive:
Keep the animal wet, but don't pour water down its blow hole
Keep the animal upright
Keep the animal shaded from the sun

Dolphins in NZ waters factsheet (PDF, 166K)
Marine Mammal Action Plan 2005-2010 (PDF, 336K)
Sharing our coasts with marine mammals
This brochure summarises the simple rules you need to follow around whales, dolphins or seals.
Marine mammals of NZ poster

To report whale or dolphin sightings or strandings phone the DOC HOTline 24 hour emergency number:

0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468)