Re: Hectors & Maui Dolphins still need our help!

Terra Dumont — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:55:42 GMT

Minister ignores overwhelming plea to save dolphins

The Fisheries Minister should go to the beach and wave goodbye to the Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins, Green Party Conservation Spokesperson Metiria Turei says.

Mrs Turei says that even though 83 percent of New Zealanders want a set net ban to save the dolphins, the Minister of Fisheries is not even considering this option.

Mrs Turei’s comments follow today’s release of a Colmar Brunton poll which shows that 83 percent of respondents support a ban on set and trawl nets to protect the Maui and Hectors dolphins.

“Without the ban, a recent report for the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research has said the dolphin species cannot survive, but the Fisheries Minister is not even considering banning these lethal fishing methods,” Mrs Turei says.

“Of the three options presented in the draft Threat Management Plan none will reduce fishing-related mortality to zero, which NIWA says must be achieved to save the species.

“We must have an option four which will ban set nets within the entire range of the dolphins, and require observers on all trawler vessels within that range, if not simply prohibit trawling.

“I urge the Government to look at the Colmar Brunton poll released today by WWF which shows that 83 percent of voters want set nets banned to give a chance of survival to this iconic species - and to give a shred of credibility for our ‘clean green’ international marketing image.

“A massive 83 percent proves that this is not the fringe issue the fishing industry would have us believe. Let’s hope the Government takes note of the more than two million voters who want to save our dolphins.

“If the Government refuses to accept the proof and take urgent action on behalf of these dolphins, they will have the blood of an entire mammal species on their hands. The Minister’s green wash must end now, because it is almost too late.”

Hectors & Maui Dolphins still need our help!

Terra Dumont — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:19:58 GMT

I'm sure you all remember my dolphin speals, well here is another one:


WWF-New Zealand : Donate : Volunteer : WWF-International

	Dear Friend of WWF-New Zealand, Last year you helped us call on the New Zealand Government to save New Zealand's dolphins from extinction. But the Government has delayed protection measures, and more action is now needed. Can you help again? Speak out to help save Hector's and Maui's dolphins The Ministers of Fisheries and Conservation are making their decision on protection measures for the dolphins. We hope for a decision in May. This means the next three weeks are vital. Worryingly, a new NIWA report released in March has shown that between 110 - 150 Hector's and Maui's dolphins die in commercial set nets each year. This is unsustainable, and theatens the future survival of New Zealand's dolphins. Extinction is forever. Please make your voice heard and act now to save the dolphins by: sending an email to the Minister of Fisheries, Jim Anderton janderton@ministers.govt.nz and the Minister of Conservation, Steve Chadwick schadwick@parliament.govt.nz calling for a set net ban and trawl net ban in Hector's and Maui's habitat Forward this email on to your friends and family and encourage them to do the same Or send a Stop Their Extinction e-card to the ministers at www.stoptheirextinction.org.nz What you do will make a difference. Best wishes, The team at WWF-New Zealand PS. You can help support our Stop Their Extinction campaign by: Buying a limited edition Stop Their Extinction poster for $20 - or a full set for $100. All proceeds go tot he campaign. Adopt a Hector's dolphin for $30 - or buy one for a friend. This funds WWF's scientific research, our sightings network, and our school Maui's education programme.

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Re: Hectors & Maui Dolphins still need our help!

Hectors & Maui Dolphins still need our help!