The New Zealand sea lion is classified as "nationally critical" and fewer than 12,000 are left. AdvertisementGuy said threats to sea lions were varied and no single factor was solely responsible for the decline in numbers. Sea Lion Exclusion Devices (Sleds) have been effective in reducing sea lion captures and there will be further research into their operation." "We want the population of New Zealand sea lions to recover. For this to happen, our sea lions need a real plan to deal with the fishing threat."

Source: New Zealand Herald July 03, 2017 21:45 UTC