Dolphins' future awash with submissions

DINA ENGEL and ANDREA MAECKER/The Press

IN THE SWIM: a Hector's dolphin caught on camera in Akaroa Harbour.

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More than 2000 submissions on New Zealand's endangered dolphins have delayed a decision on their protection.

Now, the ruling is not expected until March on a controversial plan for Hector's and Maui's dolphins.

Permanent restrictions on set nets and trawling have been suggested.

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton confirmed 2475 submissions were received on the draft plan from concerned people throughout the country and the world.

A decision had been due this month, but Anderton said the volume of information had forced the delay.

Black Cat Cruises managing director Paul Bingham said he was fully behind the set-net ban, but thought the issue of trawling was more complicated.

"As far as trawling goes, there's not enough information, but we know set nets catch dolphins in reasonable numbers," he said.

A submission from the Akaroa Harbour Recreational Fishing Club argued that the Hector's dolphin population was being greatly underestimated by some researchers.

Many club members were attracted to Akaroa for the opportunity to fish and a total set-net ban would bring an end to their favourite pastime.

Hector's and Maui's dolphins are among the rarest in the world. It has been estimated there are 8000 Hector's left and just 150 Maui's dolphins.