DOC's work with Maui's dolphin
Joint statement by the Ministers of Fisheries and Conservation
Research
Fisheries regulations now ban set netting within four nautical miles of the coast from Maunganui Bluff (north of Dargaville) to Pariokariwa Point (north of New Plymouth). See map below.
A pod of Maui's dolphins
Set nets are also prohibited in the Manukau Harbour entrance west of Puponga Point at Cornwallis, to a point 0.5 nautical miles north of Kauri Point (eastern end of Big Bay), and back to Kauri Point.
Amateur fishers found fishing with set nets in the closed area are liable for a fine of up to $20,000, plus seizure of their fishing equipment. Fines for commercial fishers are up to $100,000.
If you see set nets within the closed areas please contact the Ministry of Fisheries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224).
Set netting closed area:
Prohibited set net area
Manuka Harbour entrance setnet closed area
We are pleased to be taking additional measures to protect the critically endangered Maui’s dolphin population. The best available data suggests there may be as few as 100 to 150 of these magnificent creatures still alive - making them as rare and as precious as the kakapo. Maui’s dolphins (formerly known as North Island Hector’s dolphin) are found only on the north-west coast of the North Island between New Plymouth and Dargaville.
back to top
Unfortunately, Maui’s dolphins are susceptible to entanglement in set nets used by recreational and commercial fishers. The Minister of Fisheries has had to weigh up the fishing opportunities that set netting provides against the survival of one of the world’s rarest dolphins.
After a process of public consultation, with input from many people and organisations, the Minister of Fisheries has made two decisions.
First, to ban commercial set netting within four nautical miles of the coast (excluding most harbour areas) from Maunganui Bluff (north of Dargaville) to Pariokariwa Point (north of New Plymouth) [recreational set netting was already banned in this area].
Second, to ban all amateur and commercial set netting in the Manukau Harbour entrance west of Puponga Point (Cornwallis), to a point 0.5 nm north of Kauri Point (eastern end of Big Bay), and then to Kauri Point.
We acknowledge that these decisions will affect a number of people: in particular, commercial fishers who fish on the open north-west coast and at the Manukau Harbour entrance and recreational fishers who set net at the Manukau entrance. While we regret the difficulties this may cause, the small size of the Maui’s dolphin population is such that we must act now to prevent further deaths from this fishing method. Our hope is that New Zealanders will always be able to see these unique dolphins in their natural environment.
We would like to acknowledge the work that has been done on this issue by researchers, environmental organisations, tangata whenua, and the Northern Inshore Fisheries Company Ltd.
Background to the decision
In August 2001 the Minister of Fisheries, Pete Hodgson, made a decision to ban all set netting from Maunganui Bluff to Pariokariwa Point.
back to top
This decision was set aside in early 2002 as a result of a legal challenge by commercial fishing interests, although the ban on amateur set netting remained in place.
After the court case the High Court agreed to a proposal from the Northern Inshore Fisheries Company Ltd and the Minister of Fisheries to close the area from outside the Manukau Harbour to near Kawhia (excluding the harbours) to commercial set netting within four nautical miles of the coastline. Research surveys showed the dolphins were most frequently seen in this area.
The Ministry of Fisheries initiated a new consultation process in April 2002 followed by the release of a management options paper. After extensive discussions with stakeholders and consideration of the available information, the Minister of Fisheries has decided in favour of the ban on set netting.
There is still much to learn about Maui’s dolphins.
Do they frequent harbours other than the Manukau? How far do they travel offshore and along the coast? How are pollutants and diseases affecting the dolphins? Can the population recover and how quickly?
The Department of Conservation, Ministry of Fisheries, university researchers and conservation groups are seeking answers to these questions using a range of research methods and techniques.
back to top