11586 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

11586 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: Are mandatory mitigation measures being considered by Fisheries NZ and the Department of Conservation in light of the deaths of 6 Hectors and Māui dolphin caught in trawl nets so far in 2024?

Hon Shane Jones: I am advised mandatory gear restrictions and spatial closures are already in place under the Hector’s and Māui Dolphin Threat Management Plan. Following the six Hector’s dolphin captures, acoustic deterrent devices and other voluntary measures have also been implemented by commercial fishers. Under the South Island Hector’s Dolphin Bycatch Reduction Plan further mandatory mitigation measures would be considered if fishing-related deaths exceed 50% of the Fishing-Related Mortality Limit (FRML) set for each regional Hector's dolphin population. Measures could include, but are not limited to, additional spatial or gear-based fishery closures for the remainder of the fishing year.