7. Northeast South Island
Map ID Number: 7
Location: Coast and inshore coastal waters from Banks Peninsula to Kaikoura
Approximate area: 2,494km2
Description of area:
Wide and shallow continental shelf and deep inshore trenches.
Biological attributes:
The northeast South Island is an important mainland New Zealand breeding site for several species of seabird, which are probably remnant of a larger distribution before human disturbance. For example, this area contains the only inland breeding site for Hutton's shearwater (Puffinus huttoni). Fur seal, gulls, terns, and penguins also breed on this coast. Estuaries on either side of Banks Peninsula are major national and international migratory wader feeding sites. The coast is also an important breeding and feeding area for Hector's dolphin (Cephalorynchus hectori), and is home to a small number of semi-resident sperm whales which feed in the deep local trenches.
Criteria applied:
Trophic/functional diversity; seasonal/migratory importance
Status and management:
A marine mammal sanctuary was declared around Banks Peninsula in 1988 with the specific purpose of protecting Hector's dolphin from fisheries bycatch. The sanctuary extends from Sumner Head to the Rakaia River, and out to a distance of four nautical miles - an area of 1,140km2. There is a total ban on all set-netting from November to the end of February. During the rest of the year set-netting is permitted within the sanctuary area subject to some restrictions.
State of information:
Information on Hector's dolphin biology, breeding behaviour and distribution is good.
References and further reading:
Challies and Burleigh (2004), Childerhouse et al. (1995), Cuthbert et al. (2001), Cuthbert (2002a, 2002b), Dawson et al. (2000), Dawson and Slooten (1993).