August 2012. Fishing restrictions announced by the New Zealand government will not halt the predicted slide of their nationally critical New Zealand sea lions to extinction within the next two decades, according to NZ conservation charity Forest & Bird.
"We are extremely disappointed that this decision ignores the latest internationally peer reviewed research showing that if current levels of by-catch continue, the Auckland Island New Zealand sea lion population will be functionally extinct by 2035," Marine Conservation Advocate Katrina Subedar said.
68 bycatch deaths per year allowed
Primary Industries Minister David Carter announced that the maximum allowed number of accidental fishing related sea lion deaths for the 2012-13 fishing season would remain at 68. He said this limit would remain in effect until a review in four years, unless information shows fishing is causing a decline in the sea lion population.
Primary Industries Minister David Carter announced that the maximum allowed number of accidental fishing related sea lion deaths for the 2012-13 fishing season would remain at 68. He said this limit would remain in effect until a review in four years, unless information shows fishing is causing a decline in the sea lion population.
40% decline since 1998
Katrina Subedar said urgent action is needed to protect the sea lion population following a 40 percent fall in numbers since 1998. New Zealand sea lions have a "nationally critical" threat classification, the same as the kakapo.
Katrina Subedar said urgent action is needed to protect the sea lion population following a 40 percent fall in numbers since 1998. New Zealand sea lions have a "nationally critical" threat classification, the same as the kakapo.
"The ministry has dropped the ball on this issue because the latest research shows the sea lion population will continue to spiral downwards towards extinction unless steps are taken to reduce the impact of fishing," she said.
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