Maui dolphins are currently the rarest dolphins in the world. They're a critically endangered subspecies of Hectors dolphins (who are also listed as being endangered) and are unique to the North Island of New Zealand. Due to a variety of different factors (such as industrial fishing, and slow breeding) the population of Maui dolphins is continuously declining. If no further action to protect them is taken then they're expected to be extinct within 15 years (by 2031).   Our hope is that by creating this petition we can gain recognition from both the public and the New Zealand government, so that we can work together to increase the protection for Maui Dolphins. The policy that we are aiming to change is to extend the protected zone that is currently in place (on the West Coast of the North Island) to 10km off shore.    By signing this petition you are showing your support for our plan to maintain the Maui dolphin population by increasing their current level of protection; and therefore preventing extinction.