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Manukau Heads leading to the view that this latest unfortunate catch is believed to have been a Hectors. Until DoC change their policy of possession after capture we will never be able to confirm the DNA and identity. One hopes common sense will prevail in the future to ensure that fishermen are encouraged to not only report sightings, but also encounters and captures without fear of recrimination. My message to the simple and uninformed do-gooders is clear, let's start being truthful with ourselves before we try and baffle the world. Let's look back over the years at the recordings of Hector's dolphin fatalities since 1921, and more recently the Maui fatalities where the recorded facts make for interesting reading: Blunt force trauma – cause unknown. Starvation – due to maternal separation. Beach cast – cause of death unknown. Unknown net encounter – yes, a concern. In reading the available stats, it is interesting to note the high number of reports stating evidence of human interaction unknown. Likewise, we tend to skip over the evidence and reports of some recent deaths which may have been attributed to blunt force trauma, showing signs consistent with or of escaping from a probable orca encounter, only to die later from its injuries. Now let's look at some interesting facts. We know Maui's dolphins frequent the cloudy water and surf zone in search of food. We also know we have a number of large orca pods resident to the New Zealand coastal waters which tend to circumnavigate the islands in a clockwise direction. We know that when in the south, these orca search for seals as a source of tucker. Likewise, when in the north, we know they search for stingrays, in particular eagle rays. We also know orca hunt in the surf and are not frightened to beach themselves to catch a feed. And sadly, we also know they have a taste and liking for dolphins, in particular Maui's who frequent the same cloudy waters that orca do when in search of food. It is said they are just like candy for orca. The high number of fatalities attributed to unknown or blunt force trauma and scaring consistent with an orca encounter are just starting to make some sense in this debate. Add to this equation, agriculture runoff and it gets worse with records now showing some Maui as having signs of both bovine TB and brucella. Both are diseases from cows that are contagious and can be transferred to other mammals, which in dolphins may cause lung damage and in the case of brucella, cause females to abort before full term. Sadly, the environmentalist groups will not accept the science before us or the real facts as we know them and recognise the hand that Mother Nature is having in this. If environmental groups and the government want to save these dolphins they will have to work in with fishermen to achieve this. Changing set net laws is an easy fix, little more than a Band-aid on a severed artery. Since the previous set net restrictions were put in place encounters between fishermen and Maui dolphins have been minimal. If we are to be truthful, Phil Heatley's added restrictions only appease the environmental voters, they don't address the problem that needs to be solved with fishermen, greenies and parliamentarians working together. So what to do now? Can we stop urban and agriculture runoff where the bovine TB and brucella come from? Do we take the easy choice and just blame the fishermen? How can we manage our orca populations? Clearly the eco-ites must accept some responsibility for mis-directing their efforts. Maybe we could ask the Japanese to do some scientific research? It all seems a bit – Yeah right! You need a powerful, reliable connection while at sea, whether to stay in touch with the office, manage your business, or allow guests or crew to stay in touch with loved ones at home. You can rely on the Tracphone V7 and mini-VSAT broadband to keep you connected via: · E-Mail · Multiple VoIP telephone lines · Video conferencing · Instant messaging www.enl.co.nz · Internet browsing · Access corporate networks (VPNs) · Weather and chart updates · Data transfers sales@enl.co.nz Electronic Navigation Ltd, 65 Gaunt Street, Westhaven, Auckland. Ph 09 373 5595 Nelson Branch: 78 Vickerman Street. Ph 03 548 4987 VIP.S85 May/June 2012 Professional Skipper 61 VIP.S81