To protect Māui dolphin and the marine environment there is a set net ban, a Marine Protected Area, part of a Marine Mammal Sanctuary and two marine reserves in the Taranaki region.
Fishing restrictions
Commercial and recreational set net and trawl restrictions are in force in the Taranaki area, from Taranaki's northern boundary to Hāwera, to protect Māui dolphins. Set net bans extend at least 2 nautical miles offshore, and in some places 7 nautical miles.