Posts Tagged ‘NZ dolphin’
Philip Hoare reflects on New Zealand dolphins
Acclaimed writer, broadcaster and WDC ambassador, Philip Hoare has recently returned from a trip to New Zealand where he was fortunate enough to come across both sperm whales and endangered Hector’s dolphins. Collectively known as New Zealand dolphins, Hector’s and Māui dolphins are dying in fishing nets at a catastrophic rate. Unless we take action,…
Read MoreNew Zealand High Court reverses plan to mine in endangered dolphin habitat
Following public outcry and representation from environmental groups, including WDC, the Wellington High Court in New Zealand has reversed a previous decision by the country’s Environmental Protection Authority allowing up to 50 million tonnes of iron sand to be mined from a 66sq km area off the South Taranaki Bight for a 35 year period. The…
Read MoreMining exploration permit granted inside Māui dolphin sanctuary
A permit has been granted for mining exploration inside the West Coast North Island Marine Mammal Sanctuary, an area established to protect the critically endangered Māui dolphins. There are fewer than 60 Māui dolphins left and we must do everything we can to protect them. Please sign our petition now. WDC Australasia’s Mike Bossley said, ‘at this stage…
Read MoreNew Zealand government to undertake net review after dolphin deaths
The government in New Zealand is reviewing the use of commercial set nets (a type of gillnet that is attached to the seabed) after the deaths of five Hector’s dolphins in one net in February. The incident took place off the Banks Peninsula off the east coast of the South Island. A complete ban on…
Read MoreInvestigation into New Zealand dolphin deaths
An investigation has been launched after two endangered New Zealand dolphins (also known as Hector’s dolphins) were found in different locations on the country’s South Island. Under New Zealand law, anyone who injures or kills a marine mammal must report the incident to the authorities. Failure to do so can result in large fines. The investigation…
Read MoreWDC launches new app to record endangered dolphin sightings in New Zealand
WDC has helped to develop a new app that will allow members of the public to record sightings of the endangered New Zealand dolphin. As the name suggests, these dolphins are only found in New Zealand and consist of two sub-species – Hector’s dolphin and the highly endangered Māui dolphin. The app was developed by…
Read MoreNew Zealanders Want to Pay More Tax
A report published this week shows a large majority of New Zealanders are prepared to pay a ‘Dolphin Tax’ to stop New Zealand dolphins dying in fishing nets. The report was commissioned by Whale and Dolphin Conservation. It was presented in summary form to the Biennial meeting of the Marine Mammal Society which was held…
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