There are fresh calls for restrictions on set net fishing following the death of a critically endangered Maui's dolphin off the Taranaki coast.
Both the Green Party and Forest and Bird want set nets banned in the area after the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said a dolphin killed last month by a set net was likely to have been a Maui's dolphin.
It is thought there are only about 100 Maui's dolphins left.
Green Party oceans spokesman Gareth Hughes says all necessary steps need to be taken to save the critically endangered mammal.
"This death occurred in an area not protected by a set net ban. If the government is serious about protecting the Maui's dolphin, then the current restrictions need to be reviewed," he said.
MAF said the death was reported in an area outside the Maui dolphin's known range, where there are no restrictions on set nets.
There are bans on the use of set nets along much of the North Island's west coast.
Forest and Bird marine advocate Katrina Subedar says the dolphin was killed in an area where calls for restrictions on the nets have been ignored.
"This death was entirely avoidable. Forest and Bird, with scientists, other conservationists and the public have been pressing for Taranaki to be added to areas along the west coast of the North Island where restrictions are in place to protect Maui's dolphins," she said.
NZN