Global News - March 2008

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New Zealand dolphins threatened by nets

Thu 20 March 2008 14:00 UK — Australasia

The government of New Zealand has published photographs of more than 20 dead dolphins which were killed when they became caught up in the nets of fishermen.

Images of the 22 common dolphins, which were killed last December off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island after getting caught in Gill netting and trawling, were released on Tuesday (March 18th).

Ministers are currently reviewing the level of protection required for Hector and Maui dolphins, which are native to the country, and following the publication of the photographs conservation groups are putting on the pressure.

Responding to the calls for action, conservation minister Steve Chadwick said she was "not surprised" by the requests to withdraw the nets, adding: "We'll have to consider how realistic that is while we also have sustainable fishing and how we will manage protection of those endangered species."

Hector and Maui dolphin numbers have fallen considerably in the last few years and both species are now on the brink of extinction.

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