KEY POINTS:
The Auckland Regional Council, supported by other local authorities, is calling for a national ban of the fishing practice of set nets to save the world's rarest dolphin species from extinction.
The ARC, Franklin and Rodney District Councils, and North Shore and Waitakere City Councils have joined in the fight to save the critically endangered Maui's dolphin, a native of the North Island's west coast. Its numbers have plummeted to just over 100.
Christine Rose, ARC deputy chairwoman, is at the forefront of the initiative to call for immediate action.
"We don't want to be the only developed nation that lost a dolphin species in our lifetime because we didn't do anything until it was too late," she said.
"The survival of the species is on the brink. Extinction is forever, so it's vital that we act now."
Mrs Rose said protective mechanisms needed to be put in place before the next breeding season, in spring, when the dolphins come back in shore.
There was a rapidly growing momentum for a set net ban around the country.
"These fishing practices are considered to be the main cause of the species' decline, as Maui's dolphins become entangled in the nets and, once trapped, are unable to reach the surface to breathe. They drown in minutes."
Forest & Bird last week reported that set nets were responsible for more than 70 per cent of deaths of endangered Hector's dolphins in cases where the cause of death was known.
A partial set net ban already existed from New Plymouth to Northland including the Manukau Harbour mouth, but excluded critical parts of the Maui's dolphins reported habitat, such as the inner harbours at Manukau, Kaipara and Kawhia.
Mrs Rose said a national ban would be easier to administer and would protect all dolphin species including the closely related and endangered Hector's dolphins found in the South Island.
Bans on set and gill net fishing already existed in the United States, Canada, and Australia, she said.
"Despite this, these nets are regularly used recreationally and commercially in New Zealand."
Mrs Rose, a west-coaster, said the Maui's dolphin were particularly engaging. They were the smallest of the world's 32 dolphin species weighing about 50kg, and with their rounded shape, little black dorsal fin and unusual eye patch, were distinctive.
Just 30 years ago the combined population of Hectors and Maui's dolphins was more than 30,000. Now there were just 7000 Hector's dolphins and just over 100 Maui's dolphins swimming off the New Zealand coastline. The World Wildlife Fund has also called for the Government to introduce a species recovery plan for Maui's dolphins.
Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton and Conservation Minister Chris Carter last week welcomed a petition to increase protection for the endangered dolphins.
Mr Anderton said it was a very strong message sent by leaders and local government representatives from a large part of northern New Zealand. "It will have to be considered very carefully as part of the threat management plan for Maui's and Hector's dolphins that is being developed by DoC and MFish."
Mr Carter described the Maui's dolphins on Auckland, Waikato and Northland's back doorstep as "kakapo of the sea".
Over the next few months MFish and DoC staff would consult with interested parties.
