Hector's dolphins

Hector’s dolphin is New Zealand’s only native marine mammal and is one of the world’s rarest dolphin species. The species is divided into two subspecies - the South Island Hector's dolphin and 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.

Dolphins are at risk of becoming entangled in fishing gear. Set net fisheries appear to pose the greatest fishing related risks to Hector’s dolphin populations as the dolphins’ inshore distribution overlaps with set net fisheries. However, there have also been reports of dolphin captures in trawl nets. On top of this, the dolphins have slow reproduction rates, resulting in low potential for population growth.

What we are doing

The Government takes the risks to our native dolphins very seriously and is considering how best to manage these issues.

DoC and the Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) are working together to develop a Hector's Dolphin Threat Management Plan. When implemented, this plan will put in place measures to provide protection for the dolphins.

Read the Draft Threat Managment Plan

Consultation on this document closes on October 24 2007. The Government plans to have measures in place by Christmas 2007.

For more information, follow the links below.

MFish links:

Hector's Dolphins

Methods of Fishing

Environmental Issues

Other links:

Hector's Dolphin - Department of Conservation

IUCN - The World Conservation Union

Press Releases

5.30pm to 8.30pm for New Plymouth Maui’s drop-in meeting (October 2007)
Draft Threat Management Plan for Hector’s dolphin (August 2007)
Ministers welcome regional concern for Maui’s dolphin (May 2007)
Stronger protection measures for vulnerable native dolphin (December 2006)
Fishing restrictions proposed to reduce dolphin deaths (October 2006)
South Island set net fishers urged to set nets carefully (December 2005)
North Island set net fishers urged to take care (December 2005)
Maui's dolphin protected by areas closed to set nets (January 2003)
Public Consultation on North Island Hector's Dolphins (April 2002)
Safeguards for Hector's dolphin in snapper research (March 2002)
Govt committed to Hector's Dolphin protection (March 2002)
Ministry Concerned About Hector's Dolphin Death (February 2002)
Set net ban to protect North Island Hector's dolphin (August 2001)
Public meetings to discuss management options for North Island Hector's dolphin (March 2001)

All press releases