Watch out for the Dolphins!

We are not the only ones enjoying the warm weather at the moment. If you’ve been out and about in the harbour you may have noticed that there are a number of dolphins around. We’ve been lucky enough to see them every weekend for the last few weeks!

The Hector’s dolphin is one of the smallest oceanic dolphins in the world and we are lucky to have them living around Banks Peninsula. Unlike many other dolphins around the world, their dorsal fin is rounded and black in colour. They grow to a maximum of 1.5m and weigh no more than 50kg, with females being larger than males. Hector’s dolphins calve every 2-4 years and we are currently right in the middle of calving season which is usually between late October to February.

If you are out in your boat and see dolphins please be careful not to distress or harm them. Don’t touch or feed them. Drive slowly and try not to make any sudden change in speed or direction. Don’t travel faster than idle or ‘no wake’ speed within 300m and increase your speed slowly when leaving them.

Further Information

You can find out more information about the Hector’s dolphin and general rules on interacting with marine mammals by clicking on the below links.

DOC – Hector’s Dolphin
DOC – Sharing our Coasts with Marine Mammals

Dolphins (as well as whales, seals and sea lions), are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. If you notice any marine mammal being harassed, that is injured or entangled then please contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately.