Forest and Bird says it is happy the government is looking into set nets, but have suggested they be phased out completed rather than monitored.
A small pod of five Hector's dolphins were caught off Banks Peninsula in the last month, and subsequently reported by the fisherman, which has prompted the government to look at action in the area.
Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said yesterday that options for the protection of Hector's dolphins include a new threat management plan, reviewing the use of set nets, considering extending the set net ban on Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary, encouraging voluntary closures of some fisheries, and stepping up observers or camera coverage on fishing boats.
Speaking this morning with TVNZ 1's Breakfast, Forest and Bird spokesperson Geoff Keey said his organisation favours "a good sensible exit from set-netting".
"They're designed to catch pretty much everything that goes past ... they also catch penguins and dolphins and things they're not looking for - a whole group can be caught in one net."
Mr Keey said just three per cent of the set net industry is monitored, which leaves a lot of room for fishermen to ignore by-catches.
"Legally all fishers are required to report by catch - unfortunately we suspect quite a few don't," he said.
Alternatives like trawling or long-lining have less impact on the environment, Mr Keey said, and were preferable to set nets.
Set-netting is not illegal and it's understood the fisherman was not doing anything wrong or fishing in a prohibited area.
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