Critically Endangered Maui’s dolphin found dead

Possible Maui's dolphin death triggers investigation

September 2013. A dead dolphin, likely to be a critically endangered Maui's, has been found on the coast of New Zealand within the North Island West Coast Marine Mammal Sanctuary.

Just 55 adult dolphins alive

"I am saddened by this reported Maui's dolphin death because with an estimated population of just 55 adults, the loss of even one of these mammals puts at further risk the survival of their species," Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith says.

"The location and visual description make it likely that it is a Maui's dolphin but we will not know for sure until formal identification occurs. Nor do we know whether the dolphin died from old age, disease, fishing or some other human cause. The currents in this area drift to the north so it is likely the death occurred somewhere around Kaipara Harbour, a common habitat for the Maui's dolphin.

"The dead dolphin was retrieved by DOC staff last night and is being transported to Massey University's specialist marine mammal unit in Palmerston North to establish as much information as possible. The information about the age, identity of the dolphin and cause of death is required so we can make the best possible decisions about protecting these special creatures.

Continued