The Department of Conservation (DOC) will this week begin its Māui dolphin abundance estimate survey, building on vital research to help safeguard one of the world’s rarest marine mammals.
With so few Māui dolphins left, the Department says every opportunity to understand and protect them matters.
The research, conducted every five years, uses a proven genetic mark-recapture method to estimate the Māui dolphin population along the west coast of the North Island where they live. DNA samples will be collected from live, wild dolphins using a small biopsy dart, providing essential information about population size, genetic diversity, and movement patterns.
The survey is part of DOC’s ongoing work to understand and protect nature. By tracking Māui dolphin numbers over time, DOC can respond early to changes and make informed decisions to support the species’ long-term survival, says DOC Senior Technical Advisor, Kristina Hillock.
“Māui dolphins are critically endangered, and every sighting or sample contributes to our understanding of the species and its future survival,” said Ms Hillock.
The most recent abundance estimate, completed in 2021, indicated there were approximately 54 individual Māui dolphins over the age of one year in the animals’ known habitat off the North Island’s west coast.
The new survey will provide an updated estimate to help track changes in the population and inform conservation efforts. The two-year survey began in February 2025, with the second year scheduled for February 2026. Field teams will operate along the west coast between the entrance to Kaipara Harbour and the Mokau River in Taranaki. The collaborative effort brings together staff from DOC’s Taranaki, Auckland, and Waikato districts and Marine Species Team, the University of Auckland, and Ngaati Te Ata.
DOC says the public can also play a role in conservation efforts by reporting any sightings of Māui dolphins, which helps scientists track where the dolphins are and how they are using their habitat.
People can also help by being aware of the threat toxoplasmosis poses to Māui dolphins, including responsibly disposing of cat litter so the parasite does not enter waterways and the ocean.
Māui dolphins can be identified by their distinctive rounded dorsal fin, often likened to Mickey Mouse’s ear.
“Real-time reports help our field teams understand where the dolphins are being seen and improve the success of our survey,” said Ms Hillock.
“Naturing is about working together- scientists, communities and everyday ocean users – to give Māui dolphins the best chance of survival.”
Sightings can be reported through the SeaSpotter app, DOC’s hotline at 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), or the online Marine mammal sighting form: Marine mammal sighting form: Conservation.
