Fisheries Infosite

 
 
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Dusky dolphin (DDO)
Scientific name
Lagenorhynchus obscurus
Dusky dolphins are found around South America, off south western Africa, and in New Zealand waters. In New Zealand they are found south of East Cape and are rare in more northern waters. Main populations around New Zealand are found in Kaikoura and the Marlborough Sounds.

Dusky dolphins are classified by the Department of Conservation as ‘Not Threatened’ and are listed as ‘data deficient’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There are thought to be around 12, 000 individuals in New Zealand.

Dusky dolphins mainly feed on anchovies, hake, and several squid species. Some individuals are known to feed cooperatively, and they also adapt foraging methods to habitat and pretty availability patterns.

Dusky dolphins have been known to get caught and drown in setnets around New Zealand.

International Union for Conservation of nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red list

New Zealand Threat Classification System list

DOC threat status: Not threatened
IUCN listing: Data Deficient
Average maturity age: 5.5
Maximum age: 22
Adult survival average: 95.556
Litter: 1
Reproduction frequency
(per year):		 0.75
Demographic data source: Rates from DCO.
Population: 12000
Population source: Baker, Alan N. (1990): Whales and dolphins of New Zealand and Australia: An identification guide. Victoria University Press, Wellington
Distribution

4 items
Category Environmental impacts
Effects on other species
Bottlenose, Dusky and Common dolphin entanglements in set nets. details
Effects on other species
Bottlenose, Dusky and Common dolphin accidental capture (inshore trawling). details
Effects on other species
Potting (Deepwater crabs) - Occasional whale and dolphin entanglements. details
Effects on other species
Potting (Red rock lobster) occasional whale and dolphin entanglements details