The camera on-board FV Emma Jane recorded images of a net being cut and a dead Hector's dolphin sinking to the sea floor. Photo: RNZ / Alison BallanceA small fine meted out to an Otago fisher who killed a Hector's dolphin then lied to officials, underscores the failure to protect endangered species a conservation group says. Māui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders uncovered the death of the dolphin - one of only about 40 left in the area - and fought through the courts to obtain the details. DOC said its only involvement in the case was to confirm the mammal in the camera footage was an endangered Hector's dolphin. The court did not impose any suppression orders and ordered the release of the information to Māui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders last month.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 06, 2026 18:21 UTC