63950 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

63950 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: Why did modelling for the Otago Fishing Related Mortality Limit (FRML) indicate Hector’s dolphin population and corresponding FRML to be much higher than the University of Otago survey data which was subsequently used to set the more accurate final limit?

Hon Shane Jones: I am advised that the east coast South Island Hector’s dolphin population estimate was established from two aerial surveys, public sightings and fisheries observer data. During the consultation process, additional, finer-scale data was supplied by University of Otago researchers, which supported a smaller population estimate for Otago. In making his decision, I am advised that the Minister at the time took a precautionary approach by using the smaller of the two population estimates to set the Fishing-Related Mortality Limit for Otago.