19 May 2014

We won’t let Maui’s go extinct on our watch

The Green Party has outlined its plan to save the Maui’s dolphin, as the World Wildlife Fund launches a new campaign to try and prevent the dolphin’s extinction.

“The Green Party will not let Maui’s go extinct,” said Green Party oceans spokesperson Gareth Hughes.

“With only 55 of these beautiful creatures left, we cannot afford to lose one more.”

Maui’s are the world’s most endangered dolphins and are only found in New Zealand.

The Green Party has long been campaigning for increased protection for Maui’s.

“Saving the Maui’s is about protecting the world’s smallest dolphin, but it’s also about protecting our national brand and exports,” said Mr Hughes.

“A lack of leadership across successive governments has seen the Maui’s population plummet, and the world is watching to see what happens next.

“The current Government’s policies allow deadly fishing methods to be used in Maui’s dolphin habitats.

“Scientists are clear - indiscriminate fishing practices such as set netting and trawling are the main culprits.

“This has to stop. The Green Party will:

• Immediately stop all dolphin-lethal fishing methods in the Maui’s sanctuary
• Work with the fishing industry to transition away from unsustainable indiscriminate fishing methods; and
• Progressively extend protection wherever Maui’s dolphins swim”

ENDS

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