New Zealand sea lion
New Zealand sealion (Phocarctos hookeri); South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand sea lions are in trouble - without protection, they could be functionally extinct by 2035
New Zealand sea lions are among the world's rarest - yet the Ministry of Fisheries is proposing to remove the only measure protecting the species, by removing the limit on the number killed each year in fishing nets.
Government science shows that the number of sea lion pups produced each year is in decline, halving since 1998. And if this decline continues, the species could be functionally extinct by 2035.
Studies by the Department of Conservation and Otago University show that commercial fishing is the most likely cause of this decline.
Sea lions need more protection, not less, to halt their decline towards extinction!
WWF is objecting to the proposal to remove the sea lion bycatch limit. Instead, we believe the Government needs to take urgent action to stop the extinction of New Zealand sea lions - undertaking a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and manage the threats to their survival.
Read our letter-writing toolkit to find out how your words can help them survive. Writing a letter is easy, postage is free, and the Ministers will send you a reply.
For more technical information, you can also read WWF's submission to the Government or this short conservation summary.
Government science shows that the number of sea lion pups produced each year is in decline, halving since 1998. And if this decline continues, the species could be functionally extinct by 2035.
Studies by the Department of Conservation and Otago University show that commercial fishing is the most likely cause of this decline.
Sea lions need more protection, not less, to halt their decline towards extinction!
WWF is objecting to the proposal to remove the sea lion bycatch limit. Instead, we believe the Government needs to take urgent action to stop the extinction of New Zealand sea lions - undertaking a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and manage the threats to their survival.
YOU CAN HELP
Read our letter-writing toolkit to find out how your words can help them survive. Writing a letter is easy, postage is free, and the Ministers will send you a reply.
For more technical information, you can also read WWF's submission to the Government or this short conservation summary.
Sea lions don't have a voice, but you do!
Join our 'Speak out for Sea Lions' campaign and write a personal letter to the New Zealand Government calling on them to stop the sea lions' extinction.
Sea lion pups in decline
Numbers of sea lion pups are in freefall - estimates from the Department of Conservation show pup production has halved since 1998.