And they really made a difference! After years of WWF campaigning, the government has announced vital new protection measures for the dolphins that will halt their decline.

From October 2008 the main threats to Hector's and Maui's dolphins, set net and trawl fishing, will be banned in more of the dolphins' range.

This means fewer dolphins will die each year in fishing nets. Hector's dolphin scientists state this will stop their numbers from declining further.

It's a significant and positive step forward in the battle to save our dolphins. Sadly though, it isn't enough protection to allow their numbers to actually grow. Set net and trawl fishing will still continue in some areas where Hector's and Maui's range.

Full protection will give dolphins chance to recover

The new measures will only keep dolphin numbers at their current, depleted level, and will not allow the dolphins to recover. This means they will still be at risk of extinction.

If the Government bans set net and trawl fishing throughout the dolphins' range, their numbers will grow and they will recover to their natural abundance.

Rest assured that WWF will continue to campaign for full protection for Hector's and Maui's dolphins. To find out more visit www.wwf.org.nz

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