DOC's work with sea lion

DOC has developed a Species Management Plan which will guide management decisions over the next 5 years.

Recovery of the New Zealand sea lion to non–threatened status requires an increase in population size and distribution. The Species Management Plan outlines a range of measures through which this will be facilitated. Emphasis in placed on the management of adverse human impacts, enforcement and compliance activities, community relations and will be supported through various research projects.

DOC rangers with captured NZ sea
lion pup

Research is being conducted to determine current population sizes as well as estimates of survival and reproductive rates. Annual surveys take place at the Auckland Islands. Research looks at foraging, growth and population health status. Research is also undertaken on the Campbell Island.

Concern over the incidental by-catch in the Auckland Islands squid trawl fishery contributed to the establishment of the Auckland Islands marine mammal sanctuary. Fishing is now prohibited within 12 miles of the islands. By-catch limits are also set each year by the Minister of Fisheries and if such limits are exceeded the fisheries are closed for that year.

Another form of by-catch management includes the implementation of Sea Lion Exclusion Devices (SLEDS) in fishing gear. DOC is involved with other stakeholders on research into the efficacy of these devices.

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