NZ dolphin survival boosted by Marine Protected Area

Hector's dolphins living off the

coast of Christchurch, New Zealand have benefitted from the area's special

designation, say scientists.

Researchers studied the animals, one of the world's most endangered species

of dolphin, for 21 years.

Their results show that the survival rate of the dolphins has increased by

5.4% since the Marine Protection Area (MPA) was declared.

The findings are published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

"This is the first evidence that Marine Protected Areas can be effective for

marine mammals. We found a significant improvement in the survival rate," said

Dr Liz Slooten from the University of Otago who undertook the research.

In 1988 the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary was established in the

hope that resident dolphins would be protected from fatalities associated with

the gillnet and trawling activities of the fishing industry.

A team of ecologists conducted regular photo identification of the dolphins

for 21 years, starting two years before the area was officially protected.