At least four Hector’s dolphins were caught in two separate incidents involving commercial fishing trawlers off the east coast of the South Island, New Zealand in December 2018.
Although the dolphin deaths were reported by the skippers this latest news is still very concerning as without observers or cameras on most of these boats, the actual known numbers of dolphins being killed may only be the tip of the iceberg. Hector’s dolphins are listed as nationally endangered, with an estimated population of only 15,000 remaining in the wild.
On a positive note, The Hector’s (and Māui dolphin) Threat Management Plan is currently under review by the Department of Conservation and Fisheries New Zealand, with a public consultation this year so let’s hope there are major protection plans put in place soon for the smallest dolphins in the world.
