Fishing blamed for dolphin deaths

The Department of Conservation is concerned the high number of dolphins which died over the summer was caused by fishing practices. DOC research and development general manager John Ombler said the dolphin deaths this summer included the endangered Hector's dolphin -- found only in the coastal waters of New Zealand. Of the 19 reported Hector's dolphin deaths, 11 were confirmed by pathology reports as being caused by fishing practices, or were reported by fishers who caught them accidentally. Mr Ombler said: "While it is unfortunate to lose any dolphins in this way, it is a legal requirement to report any dolphin deaths in fishing nets. "It is also crucial that these incidents are reported to DOC so that we can understand any effects on the dolphin population and develop ways to prevent further deaths. " The Hector's dolphin is the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin. It has an extremely low reproductive rate, with females only reaching breeding age at about seven or eight years. Each female produces one calf every three to four years. A subspecies of the Hector's dolphin, the Maui's dolphin exists on the west coast of the North Island and it is now listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The South Island population remains classified as endangered. "Maui's dolphin is one of the few mammals found only in New Zealand. It is one of the world's rarest dolphins, making it is as precious a part of our natural heritage as the black robin or the kakapo," he said. The Government was working on a threat management plan for Maui and Hector's dolphins, run jointly by DOC and the Ministry of Fisheries with guidance from an advisory group consisting of a range of stakeholders. Last week, a panel, involving a range of scientists and marine mammal experts, met to assess and evaluate threats to the Hector's dolphins. The overall aim of the plan is to define the threats to the dolphin population and how to best manage those threats, including those posed by recreational and commercial fishing, he said. - NZPA