A conservation group is blaming the recent deaths of two Hector's dolphins on Government apathy and complacency.
Maui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders says the death of a female Hector's dolphin and a calf near Nelson last week was caused by a recreational set-net in an unprotected area.
Chairwoman Christine Rose says there is no protection from set-nets or trawling in the Nelson and Tasman area, and many deaths possibly go unreported.
The latest deaths are a call to further protect the dolphins throughout their entire habitat, she says.
"That's out to 100 metres deep, right around New Zealand's coast."
According to conservation groups, since the 1970s, the population of the native species has decreased from about 30,000 to about 7000, distributed in groups around the country's coastlines. The Government refutes these figures saying it is actually14,000 dolphins in total, and other figures are outdated and unreliable.
New Zealand's rarest species, the Maui's dolphin, has decreased from 1800 to 55 over the same period.
"In order for Maui and Hector's dolphins to survive as a species, all sub-populations need protecting throughout their full habitat, from the full range of human-caused threats," Ms Rose says.
"Instead, the New Zealand Government has been complacent and apathetic."
Greenpeace is urging beach users to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins in trouble this summer, after seismic testing for deep sea oil off Northland got underway in December.
It says scientific evidence suggests seismic testing could cause acoustic trauma to marine mammals, affecting their long-term ability to navigate, feed, nurture and find mates.
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has disputed both groups' claims. She says the Department of Conservation (DOC) has advised it is not clear how the two Hector's dolphin died last week, as autopsies have yet to determine the cause of death.
"The adult dolphin was found dead on a beach near Nelson, while the calf was already dead when it was found in the net."
Extensive bans on commercial and recreational set-netting are in place for about 15,350 square kilometres along both the North and South Islands to protect both Hector's and Maui dolphins, she says.
The minister also says no scientific evidence has proved seismic surveying causes physical injury or strandings of marine mammals, although studies do indicate animals may avoid or leave target areas while a survey is in progress.
DOC has developed a code of conduct for oil explorers, whereby they must provide a detailed plan for avoiding marine mammals, making sure the mammals are 1km outside a survey zone at all times when conducting operations.
3 News
source: newshub archive
