Middle-depth (jack mackerel) trawl - Common dolphin accidental capture
Issue
Common dolphins hunt jack mackerel schools and are sometimes accidently caught in trawl nets in the Jack mackerel fishery.
Risk
Common dolphins are a protected species, listed by the Department of Conservation as 'Not Threatened'. The risk of these incidental deaths to common dolphin populations is not considered significant.
Extent of the issue
Dolphin deaths in this fishery mostly occur in summer. Moderate observer coverage in the Jack mackerel trawl fisheries and industry reporting provides good information on the extent of this issue.
Trends
unknown
Current management
An agreed and followed government / industry Marine Mammal Operating Procedure sets out voluntary measures to reduce risk to dolphins and other marine mammals.
Future management
Continuation of current management
Documents / links
Abraham & Thompson 2008, Marine Mammal Operating Procedure
