Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary
Introduction
Horomaka/Banks Peninsula is home to some of New Zealand’s threatened marine species, including the endangered Hector’s dolphin.For tide, boundaries and other information you can download the MarineMate app.
Location of the sanctuary
The Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary encompasses a total area of approximately 14,310 km2.
It extends from the southern boundary of the Te Rohe o Te Whānau puha Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary, south to the Waitaki River and out to sea 20 nautical miles from the coast (see map below).
Purpose of the sanctuary
Banks Peninsula has been identified as a hotspot for Hector’s dolphins on the east coast of the South Island. Its many bays and harbours are an ideal habitat for Hector’s dolphins and for many other marine animals.
The Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary is used to manage seabed mining and seismic surveying activities which may threaten Hector’s dolphins and other marine mammals.
Restrictions in the sanctuary
The NZ Gazette notice (see below) for a marine mammal sanctuary specifies the restrictions on activities within its boundaries.
The Sanctuary has the following restrictions:
- a ban on seabed mining with an exemption for existing exploration and mining permits; and
- a ban on seismic surveying with exemptions for:
- existing permits
- urgent hazard assessments
- decommissioning of infrastructure
- “Level 3” category seismic surveys as per the seismic surveying code of conduct, and
- nationally significant activities that have received approval from the Minister of Conservation and Minister of Energy and Resources.
Other activities which pose a threat to Hector’s dolphins in the Sanctuary area are managed using other legislation (e.g. certain forms of fishing are restricted around Banks Peninsula using the Fisheries Act 1996) or existing regulations (e.g. marine mammal tourism around Banks Peninsula is managed under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992).
History of the sanctuary
New Zealand’s first marine mammal sanctuary was created around Banks Peninsula in 1988, to protect the endangered Hector’s dolphin from bycatch in set nets. When the sanctuary was first created, it covered an area of 1140 km2. It extended from Sumner Head to the Rakaia River, and out to a distance of four nautical miles.
Twenty years later (2008), when the Hector’s and Māui Dolphin Threat Management Plan was created, the sanctuary boundaries were extended and restrictions on seismic surveying created in the Sanctuary. At the same time, fisheries restrictions were removed from the Sanctuary and implemented under the Fisheries Act 1996.
In 2020, The Minister of Conservation expanded the sanctuary to its current extent following a review of the Hector’s and Māui Dolphin Threat Management Plan and implemented the current restrictions on seismic surveying and seabed mining.
Hector’s dolphin
Hector’s dolphins/upokohue are easily recognised by their rounded dorsal fin and black, grey and white markings. With a maximum length of 145 cm (60 - 70cm at birth), they are the smallest marine dolphin in the world.
Hector’s dolphins are naturally inquisitive and friendly to people. Small groups will bow-ride and play in the wake of boats. Summer is the best time to see dolphins around Banks Peninsula as they move close inshore to breed and raise their young. If you are in a boat when dolphins are nearby, make sure you slow down, especially if young dolphins are present as they are not good swimmers and there is risk of boat strike.
If you see marine mammals stranded or in distress, contact 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362 468).
Map
Banks Peninsula marine mammal sanctuary boundaries (PDF, 557K)
Related links
- Flea Bay/Pōhatu Marine Reserve
- Akaroa Marine Reserve
- Hector's dolphin
- Hector's and Māui dolphin draft threat management plan