Deaths spur calls to extend net ban
The death of two rare Hector’s dolphins has sparked calls for stricter rules on net fishing.
The two dolphins were found tangled in a fishing net by a member of the public on a beach near the Waimakariri River mouth this week.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) deputy director-general for resource management and programmes Scott Gallacher said the find was ‘‘very unfortunate’’.
‘‘MAF would appreciate any information from the public about anyone using set nets in the area surrounding the Waimakariri River mouth.’’
There was evidence to suggest the net was recreational rather than commercial, Gallacher said.
Set nets are banned along the entire east coast of the South Island out to four nautical miles.
However, Forest & Bird marine conservation advocate Katrina Subedar said she was unsure if the dolphins died in an illegal net.
‘‘MAF hasn’t released any photographs to show what type of net it was. It’s only part of a net so we don’t know the length. Usually the length can indicate whether it’s commercial or recreational.’’
Fewer than 8000 Hector’s dolphins remain. The animals are found only off the coast of New Zealand. They needed greater protection than the current four nautical mile setnet ban, Subedar said.
‘‘Research shows that Hec- tor’s dolphins are found up to 20 nautical miles offshore. They are certainly not restricted to the four nautical mile area which is currently protected from set nets.
‘‘What we need is to extend the protection out to include the areas where these dolphins are found.’’
More than 20 Hector’s dolphins died in nets outside the four-mile limit every year, Subedar said.
Green Party oceans spokesman Gareth Hughes said the Hector’s dolphin habitat was well-known and protective measures should be changed to reflect it.
‘‘The Government can act immediately to extend the setnet ban further offshore.
‘‘[They] can also monitor the set-net bans more thoroughly. Historically, monitoring has been poor.’’
MAF has launched an investigation into the dolphins’ deaths. Anyone with information about suspected illegal fishing activity can call 0800 4 POACHER.