DOC has announced a 10-year moratorium on new marine mammal permits in the Banks Peninsula/Te Pātāka-o-Rākaihautū area.
The current 10-year moratorium will expire on September 16, 2026. It does not affect existing permits held by 6 operators in Akaroa and Lyttelton.
Banks Peninsula/Te Pātāka-o-Rākaihautū is a nationally important stronghold for the Hector’s dolphin, one of the world’s smallest. They are classified as Threatened-Nationally Vulnerable, which means they are at high risk of extinction. There are about 15,000 Hector’s dolphins left.
DOC Mahaanui Operations Manager Andy Thompson says Akaroa Harbour has a high density of dolphins.
Akaroa Harbour is thought to be one of the few places globally where dolphin encounters in a sheltered harbour are almost a certainty. The near constant presence of the dolphins makes them an integral part of the harbour ecosystem.
“The effects of tourism on Hector’s dolphins have been extensively studied with strong evidence of behavioural and habitat change from interactions with vessels. We want to ensure this species stays and is protected as much as possible while allowing sustainable tourism.
“Many of the marine mammal tourism operators are working alongside us to look after the Hector’s dolphins. This moratorium allows us to shift focus to monitoring, research, and compliance, to ensure the dolphins are protected for generations to come,” he says.
The moratorium boundary has been extended from Akaroa Harbour to all waters around the peninsula from the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai mouth to Birdlings Flat.
Andy says it is important the dolphins have quieter areas outside the harbour where they can feed, socialise, and thrive, without the impacts of concentrated recreation and tourism activities.
“We believe implementing the moratorium and extending the boundary are the best ways to protect this species. We also recognise the significant economic benefits the existing tourism operators bring in. We have spoken to them throughout this process and we have broad support. We all want the Hector’s dolphins to thrive here,” he says.
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