By Emma Jolliff
Maui's dolphins are critically endangered, with only an estimated 55 adult animals left.
The Government is now extending the set net ban along the Taranaki coast to protect them.
“[It's a] decision that I think balances the ability of the fishing industry to continue to make a living and yet responds to the universal concern about threats to this population,” says Primary Industries Minister David Carter.
Commercial and recreational set nets will be banned out to two nautical miles, but the World Wildlife Fund says it's a half measure.
“The Government hasn't even gone with its best identified option which would be out to 4 nautical miles, complete set net ban,” says WWF marine programme manager Rebecca Bird.
Ms Bird says fishing is the number one threat to Maui's dolphins.
“They had the opportunity and they've completely missed it.”
But Keith Mawson, Director of Egmont Seafoods is devastated by the change that has been made.
There's already 4200 square kilometres of coastline closed to protect the Maui's dolphin.
“This last closure could be the last nail in the coffin for a lot of our local fishers,” says Mr Mawson.
WWF says it's the final chance to save the dolphins.
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