An extended set-net fishing ban off the coast of Taranaki to protect Maui’s dolphins has been confirmed by the Government today, Tuesday 26th November 2013. The ban will cover 350 square kilometres off the Taranaki coast between two and seven nautical miles offshore north of New Plymouth. It was part of the Threat Management Plan for Maui’s dolphin which was finalised by Conservation Minister Nick Smith on Monday 25th November 2013. Their greatest concern is for the critically-endangered Maui’s dolphin. It is the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin with an estimated population of just 55 adults. The plan also includes confirmation of the interim set net ban out to two nautical miles between Pariokariwa Point and Hawera and mandatory observer coverage in the area between two and seven nautical miles which was put in place in 2012.
