New Zealand's marine mammal sanctuaries were created with a clear promise: these waters would be safe havens for some of our most beloved and vulnerable wildlife.
But 146 marine mammals were killed by commercial fishing vessels over the last two years inside these very sanctuaries.
Data obtained by the Environmental Law Initiative has revealed dusky dolphins, endangered Hector's dolphins — found nowhere else on Earth — fur seals, and other protected species have been killed by the dozens.