A change has been made to the rules which regulate our interactions with marine mammals in Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
Following a statutory process which included public consultation in March this year, the two marine mammal safe zones have been removed. These zones, which covered about 7% of the Sanctuary, required vessels to travel at speeds of no more than 5 knots.
Removing the safe zones will allow DOC to focus compliance and enforcement resources on the remaining dolphin-centric management measures. This will enable us to provide protection where it matters most: around the dolphins, wherever they go.
The change follows a review by DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū on the effectiveness of the Sanctuary rules.
These rules regulate how humans out naturing on the water interact with marine mammals, particularly bottlenose dolphins, to protect them from harmful disturbances.
The rules, as of Saturday 4 July 2026, are:
- People must keep out of the water within 300 m of all marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals); and
- Vessels must maintain a 300 m distance from all marine mammals and stop if the person in charge becomes aware of any marine mammal closer than 300 m. Vessels must remain stopped until any marine mammal is more than 300 m away.
Recent scientific studies found dolphins were rarely present in the two safe zones. High-use areas are largely outside the safe zones but still within the Sanctuary.
"The safe zones are being removed after a careful and inclusive process, including public consultation," says Bronwyn Bauer, DOC Te Pēwhairangi Operations Manager.
"Right from the establishment of the sanctuary we have always said we will review our approach based on new data and adapt to best protect our marine species.
"We are delighted to have worked closely in partnership with the Rōpū to find the best evidence-based way forward."
In January 2026, DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū recommended the Minister of Conservation begin a statutory process to propose removing the safe zones, while maintaining the other management measures.
Following consideration of DOC advice and public submissions, the Minister has decided to remove the two safe zones while acknowledging the importance of the Rōpū and remaining Sanctuary measures. 87% of submitters supported the proposal to remove the safe zones, with many expressing their support for the wider Sanctuary.
"Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure these taonga species are protected for generations to come," says Kipa Munro, Chair of Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Rōpū.
"Our Rōpū members have played an important role in safeguarding our taonga utilising methods and kōrero that have also been passed down from our tūpuna."
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