Sea mammal protection bill scrapped

A draft law that could have increased protection for albatross, dolphins and seals failed yesterday when National MPs voted not to support it.

Conservation advocates said the decision was a major disappointment and made extinction of the Maui's dolphin - of which only 111 are left - more likely.

The bill, which could have toughened rules protecting marine mammals and sea birds from fishing, was drafted by Green MP Metiria Turei and supported by the Greens, Labour, Progressive and the Maori Party.

Ms Turei said the decision to scrap it made it more likely New Zealand would lose the Maui's dolphin and the beach-nesting fairy tern, of which about 36 are left.

But Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley said the current law had plenty of scope to protect rare species - it was just not being used.

"All the tools are there, it's a matter of the Government, those who use the water and environmental groups lifting their game," he said.

So far not one species has been protected by a population management plan - a key tool to prevent extinction - in 30 years under the existing law.

"We have species that are basically on a slide to extinction and their futures are being decided under an Act that is exploitation-oriented and not conservation-oriented," said Environmental Defence Society head Gary Taylor.