David Tong
11:11 AM (19 minutes ago)
to
Hector's dolphin deaths in trawl nets prove urgent need for more innovation, more protection
WWF-New Zealand says today's announcement of four Hector's dolphins killed in trawling nets highlights the urgent need
for fishing innovation, and for more protection for endangered dolphin populations.
On 8 December 2018, a Hector's dolphin became entangled and drowned in a trawl net off Timaru. On 20 December 2018,
three more Hector's dolphins died in trawl nets off Banks Peninsula. Both these incidents were reported to the Ministry
for Primary Industries by the fishers who found the dolphins in their nets.
In response to the announcement, WWF-New Zealand senior campaigner David Tong said "While it is very sad to hear this
news, we're pleased that the fishers who found dolphins in their nets did the right thing and decided to report it. I
can't imagine how distressing it must have been for them to find endangered animals caught in their nets. This sounds
like a nightmare situation for anyone to deal with. Our thoughts are with them and their crews.
"Clearly, conventional trawling nets are still a significant threat to our endangered Hector's dolphins. These are the
nets that have pushed populations to the current 'endangered' level. New Zealanders care so much about protecting our
marine environment, and so many of us are working hard to protect it. But this is four Hector's dolphins killed in just
one month. How many more endangered dolphins have to die before this government will expedite the innovation and
protection they so desperately need?
"For the sake of Aotearoa's unique and precious dolphins, and for all the fishing crews, boat owners and communities
that depend on trawling for their livelihoods: we need innovation to facilitate dolphin-safe fishing. No-one can do this
alone, so we need the government and New Zealand's private sector to join together and step up to support investment for
fishing innovation.
“Our country is perceived to be a world leader in environmental issues, so we need to find a way to ensure our fisheries
live up to this reputation.
“Until we find new, safe ways of trawling that don't put our precious dolphins at risk, we need to remove all dangerous
fishing nets, as well as other human threats, from the homes of the most vulnerable Hector's dolphin populations around
the South Island and the home of their critically endangered Maui dolphin cousins in the North Island."
-Ends-