14078 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister of Conservation

14078 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister of Conservation: Can Hector’s dolphins exhibit signs of distress, such as rapid swimming or avoidance, when approached for biopsy sampling?

Hon Tama Potaka: I understand from the Department of Conservation that dolphins can be influenced by boat-based interactions, which is why skippers undertaking such activities for the Department of Conservation must hold a current Department of Conservation Boat Operator certificate or Maritime NZ licence and demonstrate that they have completed the SMART (Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation and Tourism) course. The Standard Operating Procedure has specific details on how to approach animals for biopsy sampling and advises that the biopsy attempt should be ended if an animal appears to be disturbed by, or avoid the approach of, the vessel.