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- By Times’ Junior Journalist Josh Arnold
A deceased dolphin was recently discovered in the waters off Kawakawa Bay.
The animal was found with extensive bruising on its underside, suggesting it may have been struck by a vessel.
While the cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, the injuries are consistent with possible boat impact.
This is a timely reminder that recreational boaters and fishers can help protect dolphins by slowing down in areas where they’re present, maintaining a distance of at least 50 metres, avoiding sudden changes in speed or direction, and never chasing or cutting through pods.
Skippers should keep a careful lookout, particularly in sheltered bays and harbours, and immediately report any injured, stranded, or deceased dolphins to the Department of Conservation (DOC) by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
The incident highlights the importance of protecting New Zealand’s native and endemic dolphin species.
New Zealand is home to two endemic dolphin species, the Hector’s dolphin and the critically endangered Māui dolphin, which are found nowhere else in the world.
Dolphins are considered important indicators of a healthy marine ecosystem because they’re highly sensitive to pollution and declining water quality.
Beyond their ecological significance, these dolphins also contribute to New Zealand’s economy through ecotourism.
They’re a major attraction in locations such as Banks Peninsula, where visitors from around the world come to observe them in their natural habitat.
The Māui dolphin is one of the world’s rarest marine dolphins, with an estimated population of only around 50, making its conservation a matter of global importance.
Two local fishermen, Craig Arnold and Chris Allen, who discovered the deceased dolphin, contacted DOC via the hotline and followed instructions from DOC ranger Nikki Grist.
Under her direction, they towed the dolphin to shore, with the purpose of the dolphin being examined before being buried by local iwi.
Staff at the Kawakawa Bay boat ramp reported there had been multiple dolphin sightings in the area recently.
They also raised concerns after observing recreational vessels travelling directly through the middle of dolphin pods over the past few weekends.
Grist emphasised that marine mammals should only be moved or towed under the guidance of DOC rangers.
In New Zealand, it’s also a legal requirement to report any accidental physical contact with a marine mammal.
Anyone who finds a dead or injured dolphin should contact DOC immediately and follow the advice provided, which may include leaving the animal undisturbed or arranging for it to be moved.
Members of the public should also record the time and exact location of the sighting and, where it’s safe to do so, take clear photographs or videos.
Prompt reporting enables DOC to gather valuable information that assists with determining the cause of death, monitoring dolphin populations, and informing conservation efforts.
For support with identifying dolphin species, DOC provide this helpful resource
Josh Arnold is in year 10 at Elim Christian College
