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How you can help take action to protect the Maui's dolphin:
- Click here to sign our online petition to demand immediate
action to protect Maui's dolphins.
- If you see a Maui's dolphin please report details to
the WWF Sightings Network - free call on 0800 4 MAUIS
or report online. Not
much is known about distribution and behaviour of the dolphins.
Data generated by public reported sightings is a very important
tool to help answer those questions. The information is
used by scientists and helps government make decisions about
where protection measures should be in place.
- If you find a stranded or dead dolphin promptly report
it to DOC staff on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
- Promptly report any set nets or trawlers operating within
the closed area by phoning the Ministry of Fisheries hotline:
0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224).
- If you are lucky enough to see a Maui's dolphin in the
water do not attempt to swim with them or feed them. Use
a 'no wake' speed for boats within 300 metres of dolphins.
It is illegal to harass any marine mammal in New Zealand.
If you see a dolphin being harassed promptly report it to
DOC staff on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
- Write a letter or send an email to
the Minister of Fisheries
and the Minister
of Conservation. Tell them your concerns for the future
of Maui's dolphin and ask that they strengthen protection
measures. Such measures could include:
- Strictly enforcing the current ban on set net fishing
with sufficient staff allocation.
- Implementing full observer coverage on trawlers throughout
the dolphins range. This means that any impact on the
dolphins caused by the vessels will be reported.
- Research and monitoring. So much is unknown about
the population trends and distribution of the species,
meaning that current protection measures might not be
strong enough. The more knowledge we have about the
animals, the better they can be protected.
- Ask the Minister of Conservation to implement a Species
Recovery Plan. Such a plan (similar to those for kiwi,
kakapo and other critically endangered species) will
set out a comprehensive series of measures to ensure
the species recovers to a viable population.
- Ask the Minister of Fisheries to extend the set net
fishing ban to include harbours (Manukau, Kawhia and
Raglan especially). Evidence from dolphin sightings
indicates the dolphins do move around harbours, currently
they are at risk from set net fishing in these areas.
- In areas where set net fishing is allowed, be careful
where and how you use set nets. If dolphins are seen in
the area, remove your net from the water and encourage others
to do the same. Fishing gear and other rubbish discarded
over board poses a serious risk to Maui's dolphin and other
marine life. Ensure that any rubbish is taken back to shore
for safe disposal and that you retrieve ghost nets that
you see in the water.
- Check your Regional Council has rigorous practices in
place to deal with marine oil spills and to control dioxin
emissions and leakages from mining operations and contaminated
landfill sites. They are also responsible for controlling
the impacts of the production, use and disposal of toxic
chemicals in your area.
- Ensure that no chemicals or pollutants enter storm water
drains. Wash your car on grass and take chemicals to a land
fill. Prevent motor oils and commercial oils from entering
storm water drains and eventually the sea, by safely disposing
them at your local landfill.
- Make sure your rubbish stays out of storm water drains
too. Secure lids on bins and pick up rubbish you see in
the gutter or on the beach. Organise beach clean ups and
campaign for your local community or school to reduce the
rubbish in the streets and playground.
- Help WWF to help Maui's dolphin. Become
a regular supporter of WWF and encourage your friends,
family and colleagues to do the same.
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