BOI Marine Mammal Sanctuary

The Minister of Conservation has declared a marine mammal sanctuary (MMS) in Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands).

Why do we need a marine mammal sanctuary:

The bottlenose dolphin population is declining in Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands). This area has a uniquely high levels of vessel interactions affecting all marine mammals.

The near-constant presence of people and vessels disrupts normal behaviours critical for survival, such as resting and feeding. This can cause:

• stress
• reduce reproductive success, and
• make marine mammals prone to illness.

The purpose of the Bay of Islands Marine Mammal Sanctuary is to:

• reduce known pressures on marine mammals, and
• give them the opportunity to visit the waters of the Bay of Islands safely.

Check out the marine mammal sanctuary regulations.