Half-hearted conservation cannot save Maui dolphins

This was confirmed by the International Fund for Nature Protection (WWF) right after the New Zealand Government announced a series of solutions to save the Maui dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) from extinction.

While the number of Maui dolphins is estimated at only 55 individuals, it is necessary to promulgate and quickly implement effective conservation efforts. But, instead of seizing the opportunity to recover the world's smallest dolphin population, the solution set by the New Zealand Government doesn't seem to be enough to protect them, even making people think that the government is is deliberately allowing to maintain a fishing method capable of destroying the future of Maui dolphins - said Rebecca Bird, WWF - New Zealand Marine Program Manager.

Maui dolphin subspecies is standing on the brink of extinction (Photo: DOC)

Fishing is still a leading threat to the life of rare dolphins. So if you only prohibit the use of posted nets and other fishing equipment in some endangered areas or still allow the use of catching nets within a certain range when there is a supervisor on board ., it certainly won't help. much benefit for the conservation of the few remaining Maui dolphin populations.

In addition, the new set of solutions announced the possibility of failing to protect the sea corridors connecting Hector dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) in the south with Maui dolphins - one of its subspecies.

Therefore, WWF called on the local government to take stronger and decisive actions and at the same time asked New Zealand people to participate more actively in efforts to put the Maui dolphins out of the danger of extinction. rather than simply trying to get this population to lose only one individual within the next 10 - 23 years.