Have You Seen a Maui's?

WWF together with researchers has developed the WWF Sightings Network in order to learn more about the distribution and behaviour of Maui's dolphins.
Information of particular importance includes; how far offshore they move, to what extend they use the west coast harbours and how far north and south they move. Data generated by public reported sightings is a very important tool to help answer those questions.

Who can report?

Anyone can report a sighting, whether you are member of the local community, student at a local school, a keen fisher or a holiday maker.

Reporting a sighting

Find out how to identify a Maui's dolphin by learning about distinguishing features and how to recognise them.

To report a Maui's dolphin sighting you can submit a sighting report with us directly online or alternatively, you can call the WWF Maui sightings hotline toll-free on 0800 4 MAUIS.
 
The more specific information you can provide the better, so take a photo or film and record GPS coordinates if you can. Try to observe the dolphin carefully and make written notes about:

  • where you saw it (for example, describe landmarks)
  • what time it was
  • what it looked like
  • whether there were other dolphins with it and how many
  • what it was doing
If you see a stranded or dead Maui's dolphin, please report it right away to the Department of Conservation - on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

To report illegal set nets or other fisheries infringements, call the Ministry of Fisheries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224).

0800 4 MAUIS

Have you seen a Maui's?
Submit a report by calling the number above or using the online form.

Are you sure it is a Maui's dolphin?
Find out how to identify a Maui's dolphin by learning about distinguishing features and how to recognise them.

Summary of all WWF Maui's public sightings

 / ©: Dr Barbara Breen