The Seafood industry conference and the dolphin (not) in the room
Winter is almost over, and that means baby dolphins are on their way. But sadly, last month, another dead dolphin was reported killed by a trawler. This one was caught off Greymouth, and thrown overboard. It’s the first reported west coast trawler death since cameras on the fishing fleet in the area have finally been deployed, and no doubt, with that increased transparency, there will be more to come.
Meanwhile, the Seafood NZ (bycatch) industry conference was held last week in Nelson. The industry knows it’s facing increasing criticism and pressure for its dolphin bycatch and other impacts of bottom trawling. The conference agenda included greenwashing sessions about certification schemes that try to give the impression that it’s possible to strip the oceans in a sustainable way, managing PR risk, while doubling seafood exports by 2035.
To make sure dolphin bycatch was on the agenda, we registered ‘Hāna Hector’ to attend. Hāna is a life sized, pregnant female dolphin, carrying the hopes of the future in her belly.
But when our regional representative, the courageous James Moran, tried to take Hāna into the event, his attempts were rejected. The industry would rather the dolphin was not in the room. The real costs of fishing were strictly not on the agenda.
This was clear when Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones reannounced plans to his fishing industry supporters and funders there, about hiding camera footage, boasting that he will roll back significant fisheries measures, and ridiculously claiming that there is no such thing as Māui dolphins.
Thanks to our friends in Greenpeace, who were also there, supporting our work and protecting the oceans, you can see the video of Hāna and James, and Juan (Greenpeace oceans campaigner), Sandra the Shark and other friends, in this video here, thanks to Greenpeace Aotearoa.
Māui and Hector’s dolphins continue to be killed by the fishing industry. But they are the icons of fishing industry impacts on other species too - as seen in the starvation and set net entanglement of hoiho - yellow eyed penguins, so whole colonies are being destroyed.
When we protect Māui and Hector’s, we protect hoiho, sea lions, and other sea birds and marine animals as well.
To help our work, you can donate via MAUI’S AND HECTOR’S DOLPHINS EDUCATION / ACTION and the number is 38-9012-0678151-00.
Thanks to all of you who already do.
Posted: 19 August 2025