The first Hector's dolphin calves of the season have been spotted in Canterbury. A sighting of two endangered newborn dolphins has prompted renewed calls for fishing restrictions around Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula. Patrons on a Black Cat Cruises tour passing Akaroa Heads spotted the Hector’s dolphin calves – the first ones of the breeding season – on Sunday. Earlier this year the Government announced increased protection for native Hector’s and Māui dolphins as part of its threat management plan review. But Bingham said that while the changes were a step in the right direction, the “death zone” near Akaroa required much-needed protection for Hector’s dolphins.

Source: Stuff November 30, 2020 06:57 UTC