Fur seals are drowned in significant numbers in trawl nets
throughout the New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Between 1989 and
2000 (the most recent year for which data is available) over 6200 fur seals
are estimated to have drowned in the West Coast hoki fishery alone, and over
12,000 throughout the EEZ. Fur seals are also caught on tuna and ling longline
hooks.
Sea cage salmon farmers have conflicts with fur seals and
have tried to remove animals rather than improve the marine farms operation.
Plastic waste floating at sea, dumped from
fishing, recreational and other boats or blown from land is a threat to fur
seals in coastal waters. Death by drowning, starvation, or sickness resulting
from wounds, is often the consequence of entanglement in this litter.
Forest and Bird's Fur Seal Campaign
Forest and Bird wants to see a higher level of protection
for New Zealand fur seals and negligible by catch.
Action is also needed to reduce pollution of the seas from
plastic and fishing industry waste that imperils seals, leading to an unknown
number of deaths each year.
As fur seals return to their former mainland haunts, we
will also have to ensure stretches of the coastline are left open and wild,
providing the seals with safe refuges from coastal subdivision, four-wheel drives
and dogs.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act needs strengthening to
stop the continuing high level of seal deaths. If action isn't taken to reduce
fur seal deaths New Zealand's international reputation as an advocate on marine
mammal issues will be badly affected.
Campaign Goals:
Development and implementation of a mitigation plan covering all fisheries
that drown fur seals, starting with the hoki fishery, with the aim of reducing
deaths to negligible levels.
Trailling mammal exclusion devices in trawl nets to reduce fur seals deaths.
If they work these devices should be required in hoki and other fisheries.
Creation of a marine mammal sanctuary surrounding the Hokitika Canyon off
the West Coast of the South Island to protect fur seals.
The use of protection nets around all salmon farms (they have been used
with success by Australian salmon farmers).
Strengthening of the Marine Mammal Protection Act to require the development
of a Threat Abatement Plan with the goal of reducing fur seal deaths to zero.
Achievements to Date
Raised public awareness of the threat of fishing to fur
seals.
Increased observer coverage on fishing boats, which provides
better information on fur seal deaths.
Write to the Prime Minister asking for seal deaths to be eliminated from
the New Zealand fishing industry (Parliament Buildings, Wellington - no stamp
required).
Get the support of your local MP, your neighbours, friends and workmates
for Forest and Bird's fur seal campaign goals.
A Trip to the Seal-side
Seal colonies are popular with humans but people, often
unaware of appropriate behaviour when visiting a seal colony, can put themselves
and the seals at risk. The breeding season (November to January) is a crucial
time for seals and special care should be taken during this period.
Things to remember when enjoying the company of seals:
Observe from a safe distance (no closer than 5 metres).
Do not get between seals and the sea.
Do not make loud noises or sudden movements. Female seals may take fright,
leaving their pups to fend for themselves.
Leave your dog at home or in your vehicle. If you see people or dogs harassing
or injuring seals, let your nearest Department of Conservation office know
as soon as possible.
