9. Question No. 9—FisheriesDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FisheriesQuestion No. 9—Fisheries9. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Fisheries: What new protections is the Government putting in place to look after New Zealand's native Hector's and Māui dolphins?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Fisheries): As we heard in question No. 3 yesterday the Minster of Conservation and I announced extensive new protections to be put in place as part of an updated plan to look after New Zealand's native Hector's and Māui dolphins. Fishing activities and the disease toxoplasmosis pose the biggest threats to Hector's and Māui dolphins. The changes to the threat management plan will increase fishing restrictions in dolphin habitats focusing on methods with the highest potential to affect dolphins. However I would like to be clear that fishing vessels will be able to keep fishing if they move to different methods. These decisions are based on the best-available science. It includes sightings aerial surveys necropsy information observer data socio-economic analyses and submissions. It is a considerable advance on previous assessments and gives us our clearest picture yet of the risk to specific populations of dolphins.Dr Duncan Webb: What are some of the technical details of the threat management plan that will help to look after our native Hector's and Māui dolphins?Hon STUART NASH: The technical details of the new fishing measures will take effect from 1 October and are as follows: (1) there will be a nationwide ban on driftnet fishing (2) an extension of current set-net closures and the creation of new areas closed to set-netting in the North and South Islands (3) an extension of the existing area closed to trawling off the west coast of the North Island and (4) a change to the regulations allowing the Minister to act immediately to impose further restrictions if a single dolphin is caught in the Māui dolphin habitat within the west coast of the North Island. In response to feedback from public consultation we intend to consult further on commercial and recreational set-net closures between the north and south of Banks Peninsula. Other proposals will primarily focus on collaborative and innovative approaches rather than full-method closures proposed today to encourage individual vessels and operators to avoid bycatch of Hector's dolphins.Dr Duncan Webb: What support will the Government make available to significantly affected fishers?Hon STUART NASH: The changes will affect some fishing operators who work these waters. The decisions are not taken lightly and I acknowledge there will be questions about some operations. A targeted transitional support package is being established to help and incentivise fishing operators to adapt to new restrictions. Fisheries New Zealand officials will now meet commercial fishing operators to work through the next steps. Support will be available to minimise the social and economic impacts. Livelihoods can be protected if new methods are adopted. The targeted support package will include ex gratia payments and free and independent business advice. It will be available to commercial fishers and licensed fish receivers who are most impacted by the new measures. The transitional support will also help meet the cost of converting boats from set-net or trawl to other fishing methods that have less of a known impact on the dolphins. The funds may also be used for moving to another fishing area or to exit the industry completely if that is the most appropriate option.