MEDIA RELEASE

30 July 2014

Greens get it wrong on Maui’s dolphin

NZ Independent Coalition leader Brendan Horan says that the Greens are showing that attempted imitation is the sincerest form of flattery on Maui’s dolphins. But the Greens announcement today shows that they have got it wrong.

The first priority must be to assemble a scientific research team to track and clearly identify the dolphins’ habitat. Next, the team will determine the health of the population. A blanket ban on fishing throughout the waters off the Taranaki coast is unworkable and unfair. Observers on the fishing fleet rarely report any sightings.

What we need is a dedicated and talented team, using good science and the latest technology to determine and enact the best way to save the species. This is the already announced policy of the NZ Independent Coalition.

The Greens announcement would penalise fishermen, most of whom are avid conservationists. Once the scientific team isolate the habitat then Government can consider the areas to make net-free and consider fair compensation for those fishermen affected.

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