The recent capture of two sea lions near the Auckland Islands is “regrettable”, says Scott Gallacher, deputy director-general of New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
These incidents are the first known mortalities in the area since 2010.
“We know that sea lion deaths due to fishing have significantly reduced over the last decade, due to preventative measures taken by MPI, Department of Conservation and the fishing industry,” said Mr Gallacher.
“The overall number of mortalities reflects good progress,’’ says Mr Gallacher. “However, we know that some accidental captures will still occur. When they do, we look very carefully at how they occurred.’’
MPI has said that will continue to work closely with the fishing industry and the Department of Conservation to monitor and manage fishing-related impacts on sea lions to ensure their long-term survival.
Captures recorded by MPI in the Auckland Islands squid fishery fell from 21 in 2001-02 to 0 in both 2011 and 2012.
