Accidental captures of seabirds and protected marine species by commercial fishers from 1 January to 31 March 2026

In total this quarter, 607 seabirds were captured with most of these associated with trawl and longline fishing methods. 

No hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) were reported caught this quarter. Based on a recently completed multi-threat risk assessment of hoiho, measures have been introduced around Otago Peninsula to protect hoiho from the effects of fishing. 

Find out more about the measures to protect hoihos

Rules help reduce captures in surface longline operations

Rules that came into effect on 1 October 2024 have reduced the risk of seabirds being caught in the surface longline fishery. The rules require all commercial fishers using surface longline fishing methods to either: 

• use special hook shielding devices, or 
• implement '3 out of 3' best practice seabird mitigations at the same time. 

The '3 out of 3' mitigations include using bird scaring devices called 'tori lines', using weighted lines to sink hooks faster, and setting gear at night. These measures are targeted to reduce the number of albatross and other seabirds captured

The work we do to reduce accidental deaths of seabirds

In May 2020, the government approved an updated 'National plan of action for seabirds' ('NPOA seabirds') which sets out the vision, goals, and objectives to reduce accidental deaths of seabirds, as well as how progress against these goals is monitored. Progress is reported in 'NPOA seabirds' annual reports. 

Reducing deaths of seabirds

Fisheries New Zealand coordinates biannual meetings of the Seabird Advisory Group (SAG) which includes representatives from industry, recreational interests, and the environmental sector. Treaty partners are also invited to participate. The role of the SAG is to track progress against the goals and objectives of the NPOA Seabirds. 

Under the NPOA Seabirds, Fisheries New Zealand – in conjunction with the SAG – developed mitigation standards for each fishing method. Mitigation standards show how fishers can reduce the risk of catching seabirds. Regular reviews of the mitigation standards occur as part of the drafting of the Seabird Annual Report and follows a process agreed to by the Seabird Advisory Group. 

One Hector's dolphin capture was reported this quarter, in the Kaikōura region. This was the first capture in this region in the 2025–26 fishing year and equates to 14% of the regional fishing-related mortality limit (FRML). The capture triggered a vessel-based response by Fisheries New Zealand, Seafood New Zealand, and the operator. 

Capture thresholds (FRMLs), trigger a range of actions depending on the impact of the capture on the dolphin population. Onboard camera footage review has enabled direct engagement with fishers about practices to support improvements and avoid captures. 

In line with the 'Bycatch reduction plan', a vessel-based response was implemented following the capture and involved: 

• requesting an immediate ‘move-on’ by the vessel, vacating the vicinity of the capture (‘move-on rule’) 
• direct engagement between the Department of Conservation protected species liaison officer, Seafood New Zealand, and the fisher to review the capture and improve mitigation measures 
• confirmation by Fisheries New Zealand that the vessel was operating in accordance with fisheries regulations designed to reduce the risk of protected species captures 
• review of onboard camera footage associated with the capture event. 

Nine common dolphins were reported caught. Common dolphins are abundant in New Zealand waters, although precise population estimates are largely unknown. 

The work we do to reduce threats to dolphins

Hector's and Māui dolphins face a variety of threats, including from fishing, which are managed by Fisheries New Zealand and DOC. Together, we are responsible for the 'Threat management plan (TMP) for Hector's and Māui dolphins'.

Protecting Hector's and Māui dolphins

To manage threats from fishing, a 'Bycatch reduction plan' is in place for South Island Hector's dolphins. The plan sets out a suite of regulatory and voluntary measures designed to help fishers reduce the accidental capture of Hector's dolphin towards zero.

Bycatch reduction plan [PDF, 7.2 MB]

There were 6 reported turtle captures across commercial fisheries this quarter, 4 green and 2 leatherback turtles. They were all caught by a longline method and all released alive. 

Reducing sea turtle bycatch

Commercial fishers using the surface longline fishing method have been required to use circle hooks when fishing in New Zealand fisheries' waters since August 2023. Research has shown that circle hooks can reduce the catch rate of sea turtles, as well as reducing the proportion of turtles that are deeply hooked. Circle hooks are wider, making them more difficult for sea turtles to become hooked on. Turtles that are hooked in the mouth are likely to have a greater chance of surviving than turtles that swallow the hook. 

Fisheries New Zealand is working with DOC on a joint work programme to monitor and address sea turtle bycatch. This includes supporting the continued implementation of best-practice handling and release methods, gathering data on interactions through capture questionnaire forms for fishers, and provision of turtle de-hooking kits through DOC's Liaison Officer Programme. For the 2025–26 fishing year, Fisheries New Zealand and DOC, in collaboration with industry, developed an interim plan for the management of leatherback turtle interactions in the surface longline fleet. 

Interim plan for management of surface longline (SLL) leatherback turtle interactions 2025–26 [PDF, 142 KB]

Four sea lions were reported caught in this quarter. New Zealand sea lions are classified as ‘nationally endangered'. 

There were 38 reported captures of New Zealand fur seals this quarter, a decrease compared to the 55 reported on the same quarter last year. New Zealand fur seals are classified as 'not threatened', and there is evidence of northward expansion of the distribution of breeding colonies. 

How we're helping protect NZ sea lions

It is estimated there are around 10,000 New Zealand sea lions, with the main breeding populations found at the sub-Antarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands. These breeding populations have been declining in recent years. However, breeding populations on Stewart Island and the lower South Island are increasing. 

Fisheries New Zealand works closely with DOC and Ngāi Tahu on the management of sea lions. This work is captured in the 'New Zealand sea lion threat management plan'. Fisheries New Zealand also works closely with commercial fishers to develop and refine operational procedures to mitigate the risk of sea lion captures. 

Threat management plan for New Zealand sea lion – DOC

Deepwater trawl: Marine mammals operational procedures 2023-24 [PDF, 17MB]

There were 955 kg of coral reported caught for the quarter. This increase on the previous quarter is due to 2 captures of approximately 320 kg and 530 kg of stony coral on the Chatham Rise. In addition to reporting the coral captures to Fisheries New Zealand, the vessel also undertook Seafood New Zealand Deepwater Council benthic operational procedures. This included recording details of the coral captures and immediately moving away from the area where the event took place. The coral capture events were also recorded by Fisheries New Zealand observers. 

Initial identification indicates the coral as a stony coral and that the captures were likely to include a mix of live and dead coral. Identification will be confirmed as part of an ongoing project to identify observer samples. Further information reported by the fishers and the on-board observers indicated that the trawl net may have missed the intended previously trawled areas. 

About 1.2 million square kilometres of New Zealand's seabed is protected against bottom trawling and dredging. This equates to 31% of New Zealand's exclusive economic zone and includes: 

• 44% of underwater topographic features (over 100 metres in height, including seamounts) 
• 52% of seamounts (underwater mountains over 1,000 metres in height).