22 dolphins die in fish nets

Foreign fishing boats are to blame for the recent deaths of 22 dolphins in trawl nets, New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone says.

Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick yesterday said the deaths of the common dolphins in the nets of boats trawling for jack mackerel off the west coast of the North Island were of great concern.

She said while two boats voluntarily moved away from the area after dolphins were killed, one vessel continued trawling and caught more dolphins in its nets. Another boat continued trawling but didn't catch any more.

Ms Chadwick said it was not uncommon for dolphins to be captured in this fishery but 22 reported deaths in December alone was "extremely concerning".

Mr Paraone yesterday said the deaths could've been prevented if foreign fishing boats faced tougher regulation and penalties in NZ waters.

"Only when a tougher stance is adopted will foreign fishers be deterred from abusing our marine environment."

New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen president Doug Saunders-Loder said local owner-operators wouldn't condone the practices common with foreign vessels.

- NZPA