Aotearoa Dolphin news
Dolphin conservationists pay tribute to Jim Anderton.
Jim Anderton did more for the conservation of Hector’s and Māui dolphins than any politician before or since. His passing is a very sad chapter in the history of dolphin conservation in NZ. It is also a timely reminder to the current government of the improved protection for Hector’s and Māui Dolphin that the Labour and Green Parties outlined during the election campaign.
Professor Liz Slooten, leading authority on Māui and Hector’s dolphins says, “Jim Anderton was truly a Hector’s dolphin hero, adding by far the most protection for Hector’s and Maui dolphins of any Minister of Fisheries. Rest in Peace Jim.”
Gemma McGrath, a consultant with the international Whale & Dolphin Conservation organisation, expressed, “Jim Anderton was a very special politician, an inspiration to many. We, and other dolphin conservationists are very grateful for the good start in protection he put in place for our native dolphins.”
“It is still early in this government’s term but we look forward to an announcement from the Minister for Conservation about how they will go about continuing Jim’s legacy, implementing their promises, and announcing new visions for protecting Hector’s and Maūi dolphins throughout their range.”
A priority area of Hector’s dolphin habitat still lacking any protection was the top of the South Island. “Declaring a new marine protected area for Hector’s dolphins at the top of the South Island would be a wonderful commemoration to Mr Anderton’s work,” said Ms McGrath.
Hector’s dolphins are protected from set nets, their primary threat, in 20% of their habitat. Māui dolphins are protected from set nets in less than 30% of their range. Both are protected from trawling in just 8% of their habitat.