Marine Animals

Marine life in New Zealand New Zealand is a world hotspot for biodiversity. This is easy to see on land with the iconic species such as kiwi, tuatara and wētā. The marine environment in New Zealand is no different. In New Zealand there are over 17,000 known species and more being discovered all the time. Experts estimate up to 85% of New Zealand wildlife could be in the ocean. Biodiversity is short for “biological diversity;” this refers to the variety of wildlife in an area that includes the types of plants and animals found there. The more types of wildlife living together in an area the more biodiverse it is. It is really important that biodiversity is protected because each species has its own important role to play in keeping the environment healthy. Each relies on the work of other species for his survival. There are lots of beautiful sea creatures that are found in New Zealand waters, some of these are described in more detail below. Some of these creatures are endemic to New Zealand meaning that New Zealand is the only place they are found. 

Hector’s dolphin Hector's dolphins are one of the world’s smallest dolphins. They are mostly found around the coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Here are some facts about Hector's dolphins.  Population: There are about 15,000 individuals older than 1 year Conservation status: These creatures are naturally vulnerable which means that they are at the beginning stage of being a threatened animal in our waters. If we don’t look after and protect them then they will eventually become extinct - no longer any of them around anywhere. Location: Hector’s dolphins are found around the South Island of New Zealand, with some individuals being recorded around the North Island.  Threats: There are several threats to Hector’s dolphins these include fishing, toxoplasmosis and other diseases, oil and gas exploration, boat strike, mining, tourism and noise.  Size: An adult Hector’s dolphin can reach up to about 1.5 metres in length.

Distinctive features:

• Hector's dolphins have a distinctive rounded dorsal fin that looks like one of Mickey Mouse’s ears. 

• Their bodies are grey with black and white markings. 

• They look the same as the Māui dolphin. 

New Zealand sea lion The New Zealand sea lions are one of the rarest sea lion species in the world and are only found in New Zealand. Here are some facts about New Zealand sea lions. 

Population: There are around 12,000 sea lions in New Zealand. 

Conservation status: These creatures are naturally vulnerable which means that they are at the beginning stage of being a threatened animal in our waters. If we don’t look after and protect them then they will eventually become extinct - no longer any of them around anywhere. The main breeding colony of these creatures is also in decline. 

Location: Most of the population is found at Auckland and Campbell subantarctic islands. Emerging breading locations are found at Stewart Island/Rakiura, Otago and Southland regions. 

Threats: Diseases, fisheries interactions, pups not being able to survive in the ocean, food availability and the impacts of humans. 

Yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho

The hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin is unique to New Zealand and is thought to be one of the world’s rarest penguin species. Here are some facts about New Zealand’s hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin. 

Population: There are around 4,000 - 5,000 adults as of 2019. 

Conservation status: These creatures are considered to be Threatened-Nationally Endangered. This means that they are facing a high rate of extension in the short term. If we don’t look after these marine creatures they may end up becoming extinct - meaning they will no longer be around if we don’t look after them and protect them. 

Location: These creatures are found in South-East South Island and on Banks Peninsula, Stewart Island/Rakiura and its outliers, the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island. 

Threats: Dogs, human disturbance, climate change, fisheries interactions, predation and disease. 

There are so many wonderful creatures that live in the New Zealand waters. Today we are researching sea creatures in all parts of the ocean but it is important to look at our marine life and species in New Zealand that need to be protected and looked after otherwise we might not have them around for much longer. These creatures have made New Zealand their home and we need to make sure that we are doing all that we can to protect them. Our article today has gone away a little bit from traditional sea creatures that we find in our oceans but our marine life is just as important and we need to learn about the best ways to protect these helpless creatures. 

Source: Department of Conservation