Dolphins love to entertain in the Bay of Islands, but human interaction is putting their survival at risk and the Government wants to have a marine mammal sanctuary to protect them. Dolphin numbers in the Bay of Islands are falling dramatically, with a 91 per cent decline in 21 years - and the Government is proposing a Marine Mammal Sanctuary to save them. Conservation Minister Kiri Allan announced at Paihia today plans for a Marine Mammal Sanctuary covering most of the Bay of Islands, to provide much needed safety for the bottlenose dolphin population which is seriously impacted by vessels and people. Allan is encouraging New Zealanders to have their say on a proposed marine mammal sanctuary to address the rapid decline of bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi, the Bay of Islands. The Sanctuary proposal that will be released for consultation includes the following restrictions:Marine_sanctuary_proposalFor the Bay of Islands:■ No swimming with marine mammals■ Vessels to maintain a 400m distance from marine mammals;Within the Bay of Islands:■ Vessel speed to be restricted to 5 knots within two "marine mammal safe zones".

Source: New Zealand Herald February 25, 2021 02:15 UTC