13 March 2011

Green Party comment on action needed to protect Maui’s dolphins

“The Government needs to act now to protect the critically endangered Maui’s dolphins. At this stage, talking is not enough,” said Green Party Oceans spokesperson Gareth Hughes.

“With only 55 adult dolphins remaining, the species needs immediate protection.”

The Government announced today that it will consult on possible measures to protect Maui’s dolphins.

“The Government should use the precautionary principle and immediately extend the set net ban along the Taranaki coast and enlarge the West Coast North Island Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Consultation with industry can then occur and tweaks to the protection measures can be made if necessary,” said Mr Hughes.

“I appreciate that protection measures could impact the fishing industry, but the alternative is the extinction of the Maui dolphin species.

“The species will become extinct if more than one dolphin dies every 5 to 7 years. Two Maui's dolphins have died in the last 5 months,” said Mr Hughes.

The Green Party welcomed the Government’s decision to bring forward the planned review of the Hector’s and Maui's Threat Management Plan. It was to be conducted next year, but now will be undertaken this year.

ends

© Scoop Media