If you see a Maui’s dolphin, it’s very important you let us know. Every sighting is important, so call 0800 4 MAUIS (0800 462 847) or record you sighting online.
How do you know you’ve seen a Maui’s dolphin?
Maui's dolphins are very easy to identify. For a start, you are only likely to see them along the west coast of the North Island. Second, they have very distinctive features:
What to do
Make sure you take note of the location, the date, the time of day and, if possible, what the dolphins were doing and how many they were.
If you’re able to take photos or a video, please do. They provide really important and useful information as researchers can identify individual animals from their markings.
Your information will help scientists learn more about where the dolphins live and how many there are. This information will help decision makers make good decisions about where set nets and trawl nets should be banned to help protect the dolphins.
How do you know you’ve seen a Maui’s dolphin?
Maui's dolphins are very easy to identify. For a start, you are only likely to see them along the west coast of the North Island. Second, they have very distinctive features:
- Most dolphins have a curved dorsal fin, a bit like a sickle. But Maui’s dolphins have a black rounded dorsal fin, which looks a bit like a Mickey Mouse ear.
- Common and bottlenose dolphins have a very distinct and pointed snout. Maui’s dolphins do not – their nose slopes gently from its tip.
- Maui’s dolphins are tiny – shorter than adult humans. An adult Maui’s dolphin is normally 1.2-1.4 metres long and weighs just 50 kilograms. That could be smaller than you.
- To confirm your sighting, look for distinctive black markings:
- a black face, flippers, dorsal fin and tail
- a crescent-shaped black mark that runs between the top of each eye, and up over the blowhole.
What to do
Make sure you take note of the location, the date, the time of day and, if possible, what the dolphins were doing and how many they were.
If you’re able to take photos or a video, please do. They provide really important and useful information as researchers can identify individual animals from their markings.
Your information will help scientists learn more about where the dolphins live and how many there are. This information will help decision makers make good decisions about where set nets and trawl nets should be banned to help protect the dolphins.
