Sharing our coasts with marine mammals

This brochure summarises the simple rules you need to follow around whales, dolphins or seals.

Marine mammals of NZ poster

Marine Mammal Action Plan 2005-2010 (PDF, 336K)

Threatened species classifications

Preventing the extinction of New Zealand’s unique plant and animal species is a critical element in the Government’s New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy: a responsibility we owe to the rest of the world. But this is not a small task. 

A vital step in doing this is to identify those species that are at risk of extinction, and to measure the level and nature of that risk. This information will allow us to focus our resources on the highest priority actions necessary to prevent extinction.

The value of conservation

Marine and coastal conservation

Animals of the Chatham Islands

International conservation agreements

DOC online and field based training

View the Ghosts of Gondwana documentary on NZ on Screen

To report whale or dolphin sightings or strandings phone the DOC HOTline 24 hour emergency number:

0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468)

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings