There are so few Māui dolphins left in the world, they were classified as Nationally Critical in 2009.
Help Save Māui
The world’s smallest dolphin the Māui is teetering on the brink of extinction.
With a population of just 63 over the age of one, the Māui dolphin a species found only in New Zealand, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’.
The Māui dolphin is one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins. An endemic sub-species closely related to the Hector’s dolphin, it is now found only in the shallow coastal waters off the west coast of the North Island.
Why is it endangered?
Entanglement in fishing nets and debris, mining activity, boat strike, pollution and disease, continue to pose real risks to the species' survival.
What can you do?
Your donation will directly support our efforts to mobilise communities, advocate for much needed change, and collaborate with people across Aotearoa NZ to safeguard the Māui dolphin.
Help shine a spotlight on the threats they face and implement the solutions that can bring about much needed change.
Habitat
-
Māui dolphins are only found on the west coast of the North Island from Maunganui Bluff to Whanganui.
-
They can often be seen near Manukau Harbour and Port Waikato near shores and harbour mouths, generally staying in water that is less than 30m deep.
Threats:
- Entanglement in nets has been the largest cause of human related Māui dolphin deaths. Because Māui dolphins live just off the coast, fishing is a significant threat to their survival. Māui dolphins generally feed on bottom-dwelling fish and free-swimming prey and are often seen foraging around fishing boats using trawl nets, hunting the fish that have been disturbed by the trawlers. This can also lead to an increased risk of boat strike for the dolphins.
-
Pollution such as plastic debris, litter, metal toxins, oil spills, pathogens and organochlorines are increasingly harming the Māui dolphin population.
-
Brucella abortus is a pathogen caused by bacteria that can cause late pregnancy abortions. This was first identified in a Māui dolphin in 2006, and puts the already low population at risk.
-
Toxoplasmosis is another parasitic disease that spreads through ingestion of infected meat or the ingestion of contaminated material. The main source of infection for dolphins is most likely through freshwater run-off from the land contaminated with cat faeces. Toxoplasmosis can cause death, behavioural changes, still births and reduced reproductive rates.
-
Changing weather patterns may also put the Māui population at risk.
How can you help?
We are fundraising to help support the highest-priority conservation efforts for the critically endangered Maui dolphin. You can help get behind saving our endemic dolphins by offering financial support and helping to raise awareness around their plight.
-
Report Māui dolphin sightings - 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or report via this form
-
Support calls for Māui protected areas to be extended and for a ban on trawling and net fishing in the entire Māui habitat.
-
Support practices to end feral cat populations and for a National Cat Act, which will mean all domestic cats are microchipped and registered.
-
Support a ban on bottom trawling in Aotearoa and our EEZ for the Hector's dolphin and other at risk marine species
-
Vote for candidates in elections who support better environmental policies.
-
Include green spaces in your garden to filter rainwater and reduce runoff.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Reduce your use of plastic - it break downs and find its way into waterways.