An evaluation of a management saga: The Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary, New Zealand

Abstract

The Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary, Canterbury, New Zealand, was established in 1988 to protect the Hector's dolphin Cephalorhynchus hectori from accidental entanglement in set nets (gill nets). Sanctuary establishment was strongly supported by environmental groups but has continued to be strongly opposed by both commercial and recreational fishers. This paper evaluates the issues surrounding sanctuary establishment, the process of sanctuary implementation, management and review, conservation costs and benefits and identify a possible improved approach to resolving some of these identified issues. It is argued that first, a more consultative, community based and negotiated approach should have been implemented in first dealing with the dolphin accidental catch issue; second, ongoing management by the Department of Conservation should have been adaptive rather than dogmatic, and given more respect to local views; and third, that in reviewing the Sanctuary the Department of Conservation and the Minister of Conservation should have promoted a facilitated and negotiated settlement reflecting a precautionary approach and adaptive management.