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The status of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) within New Zealand waters
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The status of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) within New Zealand waters

Karen A Stockin and Mark Orams
Journal of Cetacean Research Management, pp.1-13
2009
url
https://iwc.int/jcrmView
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Abstract

Zoology taxonomy feeding short-term change site fidelity pollution incidental capture conservation Australasia
New Zealand common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are subject to a range of human-induced threats including fisheries bycatch and tourism impacts. Common dolphins are incidentally captured in the trawl fishery for jack mackerel (Trachurus spp) and appear susceptible to entanglement within coastal set nets. Pollutant burdens and tourism impacts reported for New Zealand population appear in line with those previously reported for coastal conspecifics such as the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Despite this, common dolphins remain the most poorly understood delphinid within New Zealand waters. Until recently, majority of the information relating to their identity, abundance and ecology had relied upon untested assumptions. This lack of empirical data has historically resulted in the inadequate recognition of this species. To date, common dolphins remain the only resident cetacean within New Zealand to lack a species-specific Marine Mammal Action Plan. This is of concern, since fundamental data necessary to assess their status and stability remain unknown for the New Zealand population. Limited insights offered by strandings and opportunistic sightings data suggest the coastal distribution of New Zealand Delphinus may, at least in part, offer some explanation as to why common dolphins within these waters appear vulnerable to human-induced impacts. Furthermore, small pod sizes reported during vessel and aerial surveys indicate that the New Zealand population may not be as large or robust as previously assumed.

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