Snapper catch increase poses risk to Māui dolphins - marine biologist

A RNZ article.

Fisheries New Zealand is being challenged over claims the commercial snapper catch can be increased without posing a risk to endangered Māui dolphins.

The snapper quota off the North Island’s west coast has risen by 23 percent to 1600 tonnes a year, and the amount that can be taken for customary and recreational use has also jumped.

Marine biologist Liz Slooten said this increases the chance of Māui dolphins ending up as bycatch, and coincides with a survey showing their population has fallen 14 percent to just 54 individuals.

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