Maui’s dolphin TMP consultation underway

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Department of Conservation (DOC) are seeking public comment on a review of the Maui’s Dolphin Threat Management Plan (TMP).

The Government took action earlier this year to further protect Maui’s dolphins and ordered a scheduled review of the TMP be brought forward from 2013 to this year.

The Government is committed to using the best available information to manage the risk to Maui’s dolphins.

MPI’s Deputy Director General Resource Management and Programmes, Scott Gallacher, said, “The TMP review will consider all known human-induced threats to the dolphins, how we can mitigate these threats, and research priorities. Gaining better information is our key focus in order to ensure the right balance between utilisation and long-term sustainability.”

DOC’s Acting Deputy Director-General Science & Technical Group, Allan Ross, believes, “This is a great opportunity for the public to have a say on how we can work together to reduce impacts on the species.”

The public can make submissions on the TMP to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) or the Department of Conservation (DOC) until 12 November.

MPI and DOC ran a formal risk assessment process with a group of scientific specialists in June, the results of which have been fed into the review of the TMP.

For more information, or to make a submission, visit www.doc.govt.nz/mauisconsultation or www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Consultations/Hector+and+Mauis+Dolphins+Threat+Management+Plan/default.htm

Agency roles:
The two agencies with relevant legislation are the Department of Conservation – which administers the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, and the Ministry for Primary Industries – which administers the Fisheries Act 1996.

MPI and DOC consider a combination of the tools available under both these pieces of legislation will allow an integrated approach to the management of human-induced threats to the Maui’s dolphin population and this is the best way to meet the goals of the review of the Maui’s portion of the TMP.

MPI and DOC work closely together to administer the Plan, including planning and monitoring and commissioning research.

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