The United States Court of International Trade has ordered an immediate ban on the import of several West Coast fish species after the conservation group Sea Shepard filed a case to protect Māui dolphins. Snapper, Tarakihi, Spotted Dogfish, Trevally, Warehou, Hoki, Barracouta, Mullet and Gurnard have all been banned due to set-net and trawl fisheries that operate in the dolphin's habitat.
"After years of recklessly endangering a rare indigenous dolphin, the New Zealand fishing industry is now going to pay a price. It’s chicken feed compared to the price paid by Māui dolphins, but the fishing industry’s chickens are now coming home to roost,” said Ellie Hooper, Greenpeace Aotearoa Oceans Campaigner.
"This win by Sea Shepherd is damning for New Zealand's fishing industry and an indictment on the New Zealand Government for not taking stronger action to protect the Māui dolphin. The ban could cost New Zealand’s fishing industry up to $200m, but it's nothing compared to the price paid by this tiny dolphin species found only in Aotearoa and the reputational damage that may be done to New Zealand.”
Dr Jeremey Helson, Chief Executive of Seafood NZ said that no Māui dolphin has died as a result of fishing since 2003. Boats on the West Coast all use cameras, and the industry is confident they are not a risk to the species.
The ban will remain in place until the US Court is given evidence for NZ’s regulatory practices or the court case is resolved. There will be a hearing next month over the decision.
