Hector's dolphins and Maui's dolphins are the rarest dolphin species on earth and live only in New Zealand. Gill netting and trawling are the chief threats to their survival. Numbers have dropped from more than 29,000 in 1970 to less than 8,000 today. North Island Hector's dolphins, also known as Maui's dolphins, have been worst affected. With a population size of some 100 individuals, of which less than 30 are breeding females, Maui's dolphins are facing acute extinction

New Zealand's Minister of Fisheries is considering whether to compromise protection measures put in place in 2008. After the new rules were announced the fishing industry took the Ministry to court. Two specific issues were referred back to the Minister who is asking for public input. This is your chance participate and speak up for Hector's dolphins!

Deadline:  12th October 2010, before 5 pm NZ time.

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