14077 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister of Conservation

14077 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister of Conservation: What protocols, if any, does the Department of Conservation follow to minimise distress or harm to Hector’s dolphins during biopsy sampling?

Hon Tama Potaka: I understand from the Department of Conservation that it uses a Standard Operating Procedure for Remote Biopsy of Cetaceans. This has requirements around staff training and competency for taking biopsy samples and operating a vessel around marine mammals. It includes procedures to minimise the risk of causing adverse effects on the dolphins. The SOP stipulates how to approach animals in a sensitive manner, how to avoid sampling sick, injured, or vulnerable animals (e.g. calves) and how to collect samples from the appropriate part of the animal. If an animal appears to be disturbed by or avoid the approach of the vessel, the SOP advises the biopsy attempt should be ended. The biopsy sampler can call off the attempt at any time if they are uncomfortable with the conditions or response of the animal.