Dolphins 'need bit of space too'

FRIENDLY: A dolphin display in the Bay of Islands astern of the Fullers Great Sights tourist vessel yesterday. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Northlanders are being urged to spare a thought for the dolphins sharing their boating playground this summer.

Seeing dolphins leaping from the water, riding bow waves or chasing prey is one of the highlights of boating in the Bay of Islands.

However, Department of Conservation marine mammal ranger Elke Reufels said the Bay's bottlenose dolphin population was declining and many calves did not survive their first year of life.

"While we don't know what has caused the drop in dolphin numbers, we do know the Bay is a very busy place in summer, which is when the dolphins give birth to their young," she said.

"So it's really important that everybody out and about in a boat helps look after them."

Ms Reufels said it was fine to approach dolphins for a closer look but urged boaties to do it on the dolphins' terms. Boats should approach slowly, at no wake speed, from the side and from behind.

"Never drive through a pod or cut them off, and if the dolphins don't want to play, please leave them be."

Rules stipulate that there should be no more than three boats within 300m of a dolphin pod at any one time. Visits should be kept short, to a maximum of 10 minutes, so everyone had a chance to enjoy the dolphins' company.

Dolphin mothers and their calves required special care. Swimming with dolphins was not permitted if calves were present in the pod.

"The dolphins need some time out from people and boats, especially during the holidays, so they can get on with doing the things that they need to keep them healthy such as feeding and resting.

"And the mums need some peace and quiet too, to care for their babies without having to worry about boats around them.

"You can help look after these amazing animals by giving the dolphins a break during the day. Please don't approach them between 11.30am and 1pm," Ms Reufels said.

"If we want the dolphins to stay around in the Bay for years to come we need to watch out for them and make sure the Bay is a safe place for them to bring up their little ones."

- People are urged to call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) if they see a stranded or injured marine mammal.