The North Island population of Hector’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is formally described as a subspecies, the Māui dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui). Both Hector’s and Māui dolphins, are endemic to New Zealand waters, where animals are exposed to a range of human (anthropogenic) and non-human-induced threats. To better protect these species, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) are currently in the process of updating the Threat Management Plan (TMP) for Hector’s and Māui dolphins. To assist in determining potential measures that could be taken to protect these dolphins from non-fishing related threats, DOC commissioned
JASCO Applied Sciences (JASCO) to undertake a literature review on potential impacts of petroleum and minerals exploration and production on Hector’s and Māui dolphins. This document presents a collaborative effort by JASCO, Cawthron Institute (New Zealand) and Ocean Science Consulting NZ (Asia-Pacific) Limited (OSC-NZ).
