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Set nets suffocate trapped endangered Hector's dolphins

A review of the Ministry for Primary Industries threat management plan has been called for after five Hector's dolphins were found dead in a set net off of Banks Peninsula.

Song: bensound, Video: MPI, NZWDT, Knobblies

The Ministry for Primary Industries has been asked by the Minister of Fisheries, Stuart Nash, to perform a review after the Hector's dolphins were found dead in February.

Forest and Bird marine advocate Anton Van Helden said animals are needlessly dying as a consequence of set netting. He said instead of having restricted areas there should just be a flat out ban.

"We need to move to types of fishing that are much more sustainable and that don't catch different species indiscriminately."

He said other methods don't endanger animals such as dolphins, penguins and seals.

The MPI said under the Hector's and Maui dolphin Threat Management Plan, approximately 15,000 square kilometres is closed to set netting

The MPI reported it would need between 74-100% coverage to accurately know how many dolphins are caught - but at the moment they only have 7.5%.

Set nets
Should set nets be banned?
No
Yes
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