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New Zealand's marine mammal sanctuaries were created with a clear promise: these waters would be safe havens for some of our most beloved and vulnerable wildlife.
Data obtained by the Environmental Law Initiative has revealed 146 marine mammals were killed by commercial fishing vessels over the last two years inside these very sanctuaries. This is a betrayal of that promise.
Dusky dolphins, endangered Hector's dolphins — found nowhere else on Earth — fur seals, and other protected species have been killed by the dozens. Many New Zealanders feel a deep connection to these animals, whether through coastal communities, tourism, or simply knowing they share this country with such remarkable creatures.
The good news is that the problem can be solved.
The law already gives the Minister of Conservation the power to restrict fishing inside sanctuaries where deaths are occurring. This isn’t a complicated problem — these preventable deaths can be halted today in areas legally designated for protection.
New Zealand protects less than 1% of its ocean. If we cannot keep even these few places safe, what does ‘protection’ really mean?
Commercial fishing must be restricted in sanctuaries where marine mammal deaths occur.
The Government must compile and publish comprehensive sanctuary death data each year.
Sanctuary rules must align with the Marine Mammals Protection Act's protective purpose.
Oil and gas exploration and other harmful activities must not be permitted inside sanctuary boundaries.
When you speak up, you’re telling the Government that our sanctuaries must mean something — that New Zealanders expect real protection for our wildlife.
