Conservation Minister Nick Smith is proposing a 350sq km extension to the set net fishing ban off the coast of Taranaki to protect the critically endangered Maui's dolphins. There had been five reported sightings of the dolphins in that area over recent years.
''I am taking a cautious approach by banning set netting where there is clear evidence Mauis go, while not unnecessarily banning fishing where they are not.''
However, this proposal is not the threat management plan conservationists have been waiting for - that decision, on an extension of the 2km offshore ban from New Plymouth to Hawera, is not due until next month. Dr Smith said his proposal to extend the set net ban beyond that proposed in the draft threat management plan would enable the complete plan to be finalised.
''It's very interesting Doc has gone it alone and made a recommendation. Maybe they're as impatient as the rest of us.''
While it could lead to a potentially complicated jigsaw of regulations off the North Island west coast, it could also be positive.
Dr Smith was able to propose an extension to the Waitara set net ban under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as it was within the West Coast North Island marine mammal sanctuary, she said.
But it needed to be gazetted, so it was open for public submissions until October 10.
''The good news is Nick Smith gets it, that we need more protection.''
The MMPA had not been challenged by the fishing industry in the past, whereas Fisheries Act decisions had.
Primary Industry Minister Nathan Guy had to make his decisions based on the Fisheries Act, which had the fishing industry as well as the fishery as its priorities, Prof Slooten said.
