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Threats to Māui dolphin

Introduction

Both human-caused and natural factors affect Māui dolphins

Some of these threats may cause the death of dolphins directly, whereas others may impact the population by reducing the health of individuals and their ability to breed.

Exposure to multiple threats may have a growing effect on the population. Although some of these threats on their own may not cause death, when combined, their danger to the population is magnified.

Threats caused by people

Threats caused by people

Because Māui dolphin are found close inshore, their habitat overlaps with many coastal activities that people take part in. Activities such as boating and fishing can pose a threat to their survival. The effects of littering and pollution are also an issue.

Natural threats

Natural threats

Some other threats are beyond our control but could have significant effects due to the small population size of Māui dolphin.