SMART initiative
Introduction
The SMART initiative aims to minimise the impacts of boats and other watercraft on marine mammals. The initiative increases awareness, provides education, and supports safer interactions.
SMART (Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation and Tourism) is a voluntary collaboration between commercial boat operators and DOC for the protection of marine mammals in New Zealand.
Effect of tourism on marine mammals
Viewing marine mammals in New Zealand is a memorable experience. With half of the world's cetaceans (dolphins and whales) having been sighted in our waters, New Zealand really is a hot spot for viewing these beautiful animals!
As demand for viewing experiences with marine mammals has increased, so too has the pressure on these animals by both tourism and recreational vessels. Numerous studies have documented the effects reckless viewing can have on marine mammals – these include changes in behaviour, boat strike, and reducing the opportunity for feeding, resting, and socialising.
We can all play our part in making marine mammal viewing in New Zealand sustainable now and into the future.
Become a SMART operator
Commercial boat operators can contact their local DOC office to find out how to participate in the SMART Operator Programme.
Recreational boat operators can learn more about boating around marine mammals.
Current SMART operators
SMART operators undertake ongoing, intensive staff training, use responsible advertising and provide comprehensive education to the wider public. These measures provide and promote safe viewing of marine mammals around Aotearoa, helping to protect our special taonga.
Tauranga
Dolphin Seafaris
Activity: Wildlife tours, Dolphin viewing and swimming in Bay of Plenty
Phone: +64 7 577 0105
Email: bookings@nzdolphin.com
Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman Eco Tours
Activity: Nature cruises in Abel Tasman
Phone: 0800 223 538
Email: info@abeltasmanecotours.co.nz
Abel Tasman Kayaks
Activity: Guided kayaking tours and rentals (part, full and multi-day) in Abel Tasman
Phone: +64 3 527 8022
Email: info@abeltasmankayaks.co.nz
R & R Kayaks
Activity: Guided kayaking tours (part, full and multi-day) in Abel Tasman
Phone: 0508 223 224
Email: info@rrkayaks.co.nz
Activity: Waka tours from Kaiteriteri & in Abel Tasman National Park
Phone: 0800 9252 28 (WAKA AT)
Email: kiaora@WakaAbelTasman.nz
Activity: Small group scenic cruises and charters exploring the Abel Tasman National Park coastline
Phone: 0800 22 35 22
Email: reservations@abeltasmancharters.co.nz
Kahu Kayaks
Activity: guided kayaking tours (part, full and multi-day) in Abel Tasman
Phone: +64 3 527 8300
Email: info@kahukayaks.co.nz
Marlborough Sounds
Cougar Line
Activity: Day cruises, water transport, Queen Charlotte Track
Phone: +64 3 573 7925
Email: info@cougarline.co.nz
Lochmara Lodge
Activity: Water Taxi, accommodation, wildlife recovery and arts centre, Queen Charlotte Sound
Phone: +64 3 573 4554
Email: enquiries@lochmaralodge.co.nz
Marlborough Tour Company
Activity: Cruises and Tours in the Marlborough Sounds
Phone: +64 3 577 9997
Email: info@marlboroughtourcompany.co.nz
Pelorus Mail Boat
Activity: Pelorus Sound Mail Run, Kenepuru Sound Cruise
Phone: +64 3 574 1088
Email: bookings@themailboat.co.nz
Kaikoura
Dolphin Encounter
Activity: Dolphin viewing and swimming in Kaikoura
Phone: 0800 733 365 (within New Zealand) or +64 3 319 6777
Email: info@dolphin.co.nz
Banks Peninsula
Akaroa Dolphins Cruises
Activity: Dolphin viewing and nature cruises in Akaroa harbour
Phone: +64 3 304 7866
Email: cruise@akaroadolphins.co.nz
Black Cat Cruises
Activity: Dolphin viewing, swimming and nature cruises in Akaroa and Lyttleton harbours
Phone: +64 3 304 7643
Email: akaroa@blackcat.co.nz
Activity: Nature and sea kayak tours in Akaroa
Phone: +64 3 304 8542
Email: tours@pohatu.co.nz
Contact
For more information email skipperscourse@doc.govt.nz or contact our office.
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| picton@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |