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The Department of Conservation says dolphins in the Bay of Islands are spending too much time interacting with boats, and not enough time eating. Bottlenose dolphin numbers in the Bay of Islands have dropped 91 per cent since 1999, from 278 to just 26 in 2020, while calf mortality is 75 per cent – the highest in New Zealand and internationally. The 645 submissions received on the sanctuary proposal show there is widespread support for the plans, saying urgent action was needed. New Zealander Kelly Calder said she wholeheartedly supported the proposal. “It breaks my heart that we haven’t made this more of a priority.”
DOC