Extension for dolphin submissions

By TONY GEE

The deadline for consultation and submissions on proposed rules for dolphin-watching in the Bay of Islands has been extended to the end of July.

Department of Conservation representatives in Northland have met angry dolphin-watch boat operators, who say the proposed rules are restrictive.

The rules include "lunch breaks" or time-out periods for dolphins by restricting watching times from 10am till noon and from 2pm till 4pm.

Another proposed rule would have swimmers from tourist boats dropped into the sea at least 30m from dolphin pods.

The proposed changes follow an eight-year study of bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands by marine biologist Dr Rochelle Constantine.

Her study found that the dolphins showed increased avoidance of swimmers and that fewer dolphins in a pod were choosing to swim with humans.

Licensed dolphin watch operators in the Bay of Islands are challenging the findings in Dr Constantine's study, but have yet to reach agreement on new rules during discussions with DoC in Paihia.

DoC area manager Alan Fleming and Adrian Walker, programme manager for biodiversity assets, said after talks with operators that the submission period on new rules would be extended until the end of next month, and more discussions would be held with boat owners.

After that a report would outline new watching and swimming rules. Operators would receive new permits in late August or early September in accordance with the changed rules, they said.