Bottlenose dolphin and calf.

Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) marine mammal sanctuary consultation is now open

Introduction

DOC says public consultation on a marine sanctuary proposal for Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) opens today (20 April) for a 28-day period.

Date:  20 April 2021

The sanctuary proposal will address the rapid decline in bottlenose dolphins and proposes measures to protect all marine mammals in the Bay.

“Research shows Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) has uniquely high levels of vessel and human interaction with bottlenose dolphins which is disrupting normal behaviours critical for survival, such as resting and feeding,” says Dr Cat Peters, Senior Ranger, Biodiversity (Marine).

The Sanctuary includes proposed restrictions of:

  • not being in the water (ie. swimming) within 400m of marine mammals in Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands);
  • vessels maintaining a 400m distance from marine mammals in Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands); and
  • a 5 knot speed limit for vessels in two smaller marine mammal safe zones.

How to make a submission

Visit Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) marine mammal sanctuary proposal for details on the proposal, including how to make a submission.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz