Draft Hector's and Maui's Dolphin Threat Management Plan
Hector’s dolphins are endemic to New Zealand, meaning they are only found in New Zealand’s waters. The species is divided into two subspecies (based on genetic differences), one of which occurs principally in South Island waters (Hector’s dolphin), and the other in the waters of the north-west coast of the North Island (Maui’s dolphin).
Hector's dolphin, with a population estimated at around 7,270, are classified as nationally vulnerable by the Department of Conservation (DoC) and endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Maui's dolphin has an estimated population of just 111 and is classified as nationally critical by DoC and critically endangered by the IUCN.
Public and government concern over the effect of human induced mortality on Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins has led to the development of a draft Threat Management Plan (TMP) to help protect these species.
Led by the Ministry of Fisheries and the Department of Conservation, the Draft TMP seeks to:
- Describe the nature and extent of threats to Hectors and Maui’s dolphins, and
- Implement strategies to reduce those threats which are human induced.
The draft TMP builds on material released in a discussion document in May 2007 and incorporates response to that document including feedback gained during regional forums. This is your opportunity to provide further input to the plan and have your say on the best proposed course of action. The consultation period closes at the end of October.
Download Letter to Stakeholders from Ministers (PDF 35kb)
The Draft Threat Management Plan consists of three key sections:
1. Context– what we know about New Zealand’s dolphin situation
This section also introduces regional threat management proposals that incorporate fishing related options, proposed non-fishing measures, marine mammal sanctuaries, research and monitoring.
Download Contents and Executive Summary (PDF 145KB)
Download Part 1 (PDF 866KB)
2. Initial Position Paper – identification of draft measures to treat fishing related threats
Download Part 2 (PDF 1.3MB)
3. Proposed Marine mammal sanctuaries – identification of important Maui’s and Hector’s dolphin habitat
Download Part 3 (PDF 398KB)
Download Research (PDF 80KB)
Download Monitoring the Effects of Fishing (PDF 77KB)
Download Appendices (1.1MB)
Download the full Draft Threat Management Plan (PDF 3.3MB)
Please note: This is a large document and may take some time to download.
Submissions on the draft plan must be received no later than 24 October 2007 and be directed to:
Dolphin Threat Management Plan
P.O Box 11-146
Wellington 6011
Or
Hectorstmp@biodiversity.govt.nz
If you have any questions or require clarification on any part of the draft plan please contact the nearest office of the Ministry of Fisheries or Department of Conservation.