Hector and Māui dolphins have rounded fins. If you see them report them in.
It’s easy to report dolphin sightings on the free smart phone app called ‘Hector’s Dolphin Sightings’, free from Google Play and the App Store.
Photos can be uploaded instantly with the app; photos greatly assist in species and individual identification.
Hector’s dolphins are endangered and Māui dolphins are critically endangered. They are the smallest dolphins in the world and are unique to New Zealand coasts. Little is known about their local movements in the top of the South, where there is a big focus on getting more sightings.
There are between 57 and 75 Maui dolphins left in the world, according to the preliminary results of a 2016 survey. That is up very slightly from previous estimates.
Estimates of adult numbers of the critically endangered Maui dolphin have risen slightly, according to the preliminary results of a survey carried out over the past two summers.
The survey, by the Department of Conservation, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and researchers from Auckland and Oregon State universities, estimates the population at approximately 63 adults, with 95 per cent confidence there are between 57 and 75.
This represents an increase from 55 to 63. A 2010-11 survey estimated the number at 55, with 95 per cent confidence there were between 48 and 69.
So far this 2017/18 summer, Hectors’ Dolphin sighting reports have been received from all coastal regions around the South Island. A very rare and important sighting report of a Hector’s dolphin came through in early December from Napier!
Gemma McGrath, who manages the app, says, “Usually Hector’s dolphins are very local, not traveling far from home. They have an average alongshore range of just 50 km. But there’s certainly some adventurers. There are at least two Hector’s dolphins living with the Māui dolphin population now.”
“You just never know where and when one of these delightful little dolphins could pop up. Every sighting is important,” says McGrath. Remember to always approach dolphins, slowly, and from behind. Gentleness is key and results in much richer experiences.
The app is free, quick and easy to use, and sightings of other whales and dolphins are reported on it too. Data is shared with app users, scientists and the Department of Conservation.