You can help Maui's dolphin
If you find a stranded dolphin:
You can help protect Maui's dolphins by:
- Not using set nets in west coast harbours where Maui's dolphins are known to have been seen. If you do set nets and see dolphins, please lift your net from the water immediately.
- Using a "no wake" speed for boats within 300 metres of dolphins.
- Not swimming with Maui's dolphins or throwing food near them.
- Taking all plastic rubbish to shore for safe disposal.
Sightings
- Reporting sightings of Maui's dolphins to the Department by phoning 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or completing a Maui's sighting form (report the location, number of dolphins and date and time of sighting. If possible, take a photo with the shore in the background).
- Immediately reporting any sightings south of Mokau (Taranaki), north of Baylys Beach (Northland), inside harbours or several miles offshore. The Department is especially interested in these sightings as they are on the outskirts of the range of Maui's dolphins. Please report these sightings as soon as practical by phoning 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), as the Department aims to investigate these important sightings.
- Contacting the Ministry of Fisheries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224) if you see set nets within the closed areas.
Contacts
To report whale or dolphin strandings phone the DOC HOTline 24 hour emergency number:
0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468)