[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 181 (Monday, September 19, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64110-64125]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22451]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 223 and 224

[Docket No. 160614520-6520-01]
RIN 0648-XE686


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Proposed Rule To 
List the Maui's Dolphin as Endangered and the South Island Hector's 
Dolphin as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We, NMFS, propose to list the Maui's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus 
hectori maui) as endangered and the South Island Hector's dolphin (C. 
hectori hectori) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). 
We have reviewed the best available scientific and commercial data and 
completed a comprehensive status review for these two subspecies of 
Hector's dolphin (C. hectori). The Maui's dolphin faces serious 
demographic risks due to critically low abundance, a low population 
growth rate, a restricted range, low genetic diversity, and ongoing 
threats such as bycatch in commercial and recreational gillnets. We 
have determined Maui's dolphin is currently in danger of extinction 
throughout its range and, therefore, meets the definition of an 
endangered species. The relatively more abundant and more widely 
distributed South Island Hector's dolphin has experienced large 
historical declines and is expected to continue to slowly decline due 
to bycatch and other lesser threats, such as disease and impacts 
associated with tourism. We have determined that this subspecies is not 
currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant 
portion of its range, but is likely to become so within the foreseeable 
future; and therefore, it meets the definition of a threatened species. 
Both subspecies occur only in New Zealand. We are authorized to 
designate critical habitat within U.S. jurisdiction only, and we are 
not aware of any areas within U.S jurisdiction that may meet the 
definition of critical habitat under the ESA. Therefore, we are not 
proposing to designate critical habitat. We are soliciting public 
comments on our status review report and proposal to list these two 
subspecies.

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received by November 18, 
2016. Public hearing requests must be made by November 3, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2016-0118, by either of the following methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic comments via 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-0118, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, 
complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Lisa Manning, NMFS Office 
of Protected Resources (F/PR3), 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910, USA.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov

[[Page 64111]]

without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, 
address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise 
sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be 
publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' 
in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
    You can find the petition, status review report, Federal Register 
notices, and the list of references electronically on our Web site at 
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/petition81.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Manning, NMFS, Office of 
Protected Resources, [email protected], (301) 427-8466.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On July 15, 2013, we received a petition from WildEarth Guardians 
to list 81 marine species or populations as endangered or threatened 
species under the ESA. We determined that the petition had sufficient 
merit for further consideration, and status reviews were initiated for 
27 of the 81 species or populations, including the Hector's dolphin 
(Cephalorhynchus hectori; 78 FR 63941, October 25, 2013; 78 FR 66675, 
November 6, 2013; 78 FR 69376, November 19, 2013; 79 FR 9880, February 
21, 2014; and 79 FR 10104, February 24, 2014). This document addresses 
the proposed determination for the Hector's dolphin. The findings and 
relevant Federal Register notices for the other species and populations 
can be found on our Web site at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/petition81.htm.

Listing Determinations Under the ESA

    We are responsible for determining whether species are threatened 
or endangered under the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). To make this 
determination, we first consider whether a group of organisms 
constitutes a ``species'' under the ESA, then whether the status of the 
species qualifies it for listing as either threatened or endangered. 
Section 3 of the ESA defines a ``species'' to include ``any subspecies 
of fish or wildlife or plants, and any distinct population segment of 
any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife which interbreeds when 
mature.'' Maui's dolphin, C. hectori maui, and the South Island (SI) 
Hector's dolphin, C. hectori hectori, have been formally recognized as 
subspecies (Baker et al. 2002, Pichler 2002); and thus, each meets the 
ESA definition of a ``species.''
    Section 3 of the ESA defines an endangered species as ``any species 
which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant 
portion of its range'' and a threatened species as one ``which is 
likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range.'' We interpret an 
``endangered species'' to be one that is presently in danger of 
extinction. A ``threatened species,'' on the other hand, is not 
presently in danger of extinction, but is likely to become so in the 
foreseeable future (that is, at a later time). In other words, the 
primary statutory difference between a threatened species and 
endangered species is the timing of when a species may be in danger of 
extinction, either presently (endangered) or in the foreseeable future 
(threatened).
    When we consider whether a species might qualify as threatened 
under the ESA, we must consider the meaning of the term ``foreseeable 
future.'' It is appropriate to interpret ``foreseeable future'' as the 
horizon over which predictions about the conservation status of the 
species can be reasonably relied upon. The foreseeable future considers 
the life history of the species, habitat characteristics, availability 
of data, particular threats, ability to predict threats, and the 
reliability to forecast the effects of these threats and future events 
on the status of the species under consideration. Because a species may 
be susceptible to a variety of threats for which different data are 
available regarding the species' response to that threat, or which 
operate across different time scales, the foreseeable future is not 
necessarily reducible to a particular number of years.
    Section 4(a)(1) of the ESA requires us to determine whether any 
species is endangered or threatened due to any one or a combination of 
the following five threat factors: The present or threatened 
destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; 
overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes; disease or predation; the inadequacy of existing 
regulatory mechanisms; or other natural or manmade factors affecting 
its continued existence. We are also required to make listing 
determinations based solely on the best scientific and commercial data 
available, after conducting a review of the species' status and after 
taking into account efforts being made by any state or foreign nation 
to protect the species.
    In assessing the extinction risk of these two subspecies, we 
considered demographic risk factors, such as those developed by 
McElhany et al. (2000), to organize and evaluate the forms of risks. 
The approach of considering demographic risk factors to help frame the 
consideration of extinction risk has been used in many of our previous 
status reviews (see http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species for links to 
these reviews). In this approach, the collective condition of 
individual populations is considered at the species level (or in this 
case, the subspecies level) according to four demographic viability 
factors: Abundance and trends, population growth rate or productivity, 
spatial structure and connectivity, and genetic diversity. These 
viability factors reflect concepts that are well-founded in 
conservation biology and that individually and collectively provide 
strong indicators of extinction risk.
    Scientific conclusions about the overall risk of extinction faced 
by Maui's dolphin and the SI Hector's dolphin under present conditions 
and in the foreseeable future are based on our evaluation of the 
subspecies' demographic risks and section 4(a)(1) threat factors. Our 
assessment of overall extinction risk considered the likelihood and 
contribution of each particular factor, synergies among contributing 
factors, and the cumulative impact of all demographic risks and threats 
on each subspecies.
    Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the ESA requires the Secretary, when making a 
listing determination for a species, to take into consideration those 
efforts, if any, being made by any State or foreign nation, or any 
political subdivision of a State or foreign nation, to protect the 
species. Therefore, prior to making a listing determination, we also 
assess such protective efforts to determine if they are adequate to 
mitigate the existing threats.

Status Review

    Status reviews for Maui's dolphin and the SI Hector's dolphin were 
completed by NMFS staff from the Office of Protected Resources. To 
complete the status reviews, we compiled the best available data and 
information on the subspecies' biology, ecology, life history, threats, 
and conservation status by examining the petition and cited references, 
and by conducting a comprehensive literature search and review. We also 
considered information submitted to us in response to our petition 
finding. A single draft status review report was prepared for the two 
subspecies and submitted to three independent peer reviewers; comments 
and information received from peer reviewers were addressed and 
incorporated as appropriate into the draft report. The draft status 
review

[[Page 64112]]

report (cited as Manning and Grantz 2016) is available on our Web site 
(see ADDRESSES section). In the sections below, we provide information 
from the report regarding threats to and the status of each subspecies.

Subspecies Descriptions

    The Hector's dolphin is one of the world's smallest dolphins and 
occurs only in the coastal waters of New Zealand. Hector's dolphins 
have short and stocky bodies, no external beak, and a relatively large 
fluke. They are easily distinguished by their distinctive black, white, 
and gray color patterns and their rounded dorsal fin, which has a 
shallowly sloping anterior edge and a convex posterior edge, and is 
unique to the genus (Dawson 2009). Lifespan is thought to be about 20 
years (Slooten 1991, Secchi et al. 2004b), and several dolphins have 
been aged to a minimum of 22 years based on photo-identification data 
(Rayment et al. 2009a, Webster et al. 2009). Hector's dolphins have a 
varied diet that includes cephalopods, crustaceans, and small fish 
species; however, relatively few prey species appear to comprise the 
bulk of their diet. Stomach content analysis indicates that common prey 
species include red cod (Pseudophycis bachus), ahuru (Auchenoceros 
punctatus), arrow squid (Nototodarus sp.), sprat (Sprattus sp.), sole 
(Peltorhamphus sp.), and stargazer (Crapatalus sp., Miller et al. 
2013).
    Females typically have their first calf at 7-9 years of age, and 
males likely reach sexual maturity at 6-9 years of age (Slooten 1991, 
Gormley 2009). Calving occurs in the austral spring and early summer, 
generally from November to February (Slooten and Dawson 1988, Slooten 
and Dawson 1994). Calves remain with their mothers for 1 to 2 years, 
although 2 years appears to be more common (Slooten and Dawson 1994). 
Females typically produce single calves every 2 to 4 years (Slooten and 
Dawson 1994), which gives a yearly birth rate between 0.33 and 0.5. 
Fecundity (i.e., the number of female offspring per female per breeding 
season) has been estimated as ranging from 0.165 to 0.250 (Secchi et 
al. 2004b, Gormley 2009).
    Hector's dolphins make few audible sounds, and their repertoire 
consists mainly of high frequency (112-130k Hz) clicks of either one or 
two short pulses (i.e., usually less than 200 [mu]s for single pulses 
and less than 400 [mu]s for double pulses, Dawson 1988a). Analyses of 
recorded vocalizations suggest Hector's dolphins use their 
vocalizations for fine discrimination, locating prey, and 
communicating, rather than large-scale navigation, for which lower 
frequency echolocation is required (Dawson 1988a, Dawson 1991a).
    Available data indicates that Hector's dolphins have small home 
ranges and high site fidelity (Bedjer and Dawson 2001, Br[auml]ger et 
al. 2002, Rayment et al. 2009a, Oremus et al. 2012). Based on multiple 
analyses of photo-identification data and genetic recapture data, the 
along-shore home range appears to be similar for both subspecies and is 
typically less than 50 km (Br[auml]ger et al. 2002, Rayment et al. 
2009a, Oremus et al. 2012). Home ranges also do not appear to differ 
between males and females (Br[auml]ger et al. 2002, Rayment et al. 
2009a).
    Historically, Hector's dolphins are thought to have been present 
along almost the entire coastlines of both the North and South Islands 
of New Zealand (Cawthorn 1988, Russell 1999, Pichler 2002, MFish and 
DOC 2007a). The two subspecies probably became initially separated by 
the opening of Cook Strait during the late Pleistocene and Holocene 
interglacial periods, and this isolation was likely maintained through 
behavioral mechanisms such as natal philopatry and small home ranges 
(Pichler 2002, Baker et al., 2002, Dawson 2009). Currently, Maui's 
dolphins occur along the northwest coast of the North Island, between 
Maunganui Bluff in the north and Whanganui in the south (Currey et al. 
2012). Occasional sightings and strandings have also been reported from 
areas farther south along the west coast as well as in areas such as 
Hawke Bay on the east coast of the North Island (Baker 1978, Russell 
1999, Ferreira and Roberts 2003, Slooten et al. 2005, MFish and DOC 
2007a, Du Fresne 2010). The SI Hector's dolphin currently has a 
fragmented distribution around the South Island (Dawson et al. 2004, 
Rayment et al. 2011b) and consists of at least three genetically 
distinct, regional populations (Pichler 2001, Pichler 2002, Hamner et 
al. 2012a). SI Hector's dolphins are most abundant around Banks 
Peninsula, Cloudy Bay, and Cliffords Bay on the east coast and along 
the central west coast. Distinct and localized populations also occur 
on the south coast in Te Waewae Bay, Toetoe Bay, and Porpoise Bay 
(Dawson and Slooten 1988b, Clement et al. 2011, Hamner et al. 2012a, 
Rodda 2014, Mackenzie and Clement 2014). The connectivity between these 
regional populations, especially the south coast populations, appears 
to be limited (Bejder and Dawson 2001, Hamner et al. 2012a). Hector's 
dolphins do not appear to occur offshore of or within the deep water 
fiords of Fiordland, although they have been sighted there on rare 
occasions (Dawson and Slooten 1988b, MFish and DOC 2007a).
    Hector's dolphins are typically sighted within about 20 nautical 
miles (nmi; 37.0 km) of the shore and in water less than 100 m deep 
(Slooten et al. 2005, Mackenzie and Clement 2014, Rayment et al. 2011b, 
Mackenzie and Clement 2016). For the North Island, an extensive review 
by Du Fresne (2010) of both published scientific surveys and 
unpublished opportunistic sightings data indicates that Maui's dolphins 
are most frequently found within 4 nmi (7.4 km) of the coast but do 
occasionally occur at least as far as 7 nmi (13.0 km) offshore. Off the 
South Island, differences in distribution patterns have been observed 
for the west and east coasts that may be driven in part by differences 
in bathymetry or location of the shelf break. On the west coast, the 
100 m isobath is always within 13 nmi (24.1 km) of the coast, and in 
some places as close as 5 nmi (9.3 km); whereas, off Banks Peninsula on 
the east coast, the 100 m isobath is 16 to 30 nmi (29.6 to 55.6 km) 
offshore (Rayment et al. 2011b). SI Hector's dolphins are typically 
within 8 nmi (14.8 km) from shore on the east coast of the South Island 
and within 3 nmi (5.6 km) from shore on the west coast (Rayment et al. 
2010b, 2011b, Mackenzie and Clement 2013, Mackenzie and Clement 2016). 
However, SI Hector's dolphins have been sighted at least occasionally 
as far as about 20 nmi (37.0 km) from shore on both coasts (Rayment et 
al. 2010b, 2011b, MacKenzie and Clement 2016).
    Seasonal changes in this nearshore distribution are evident for at 
least some populations of Hector's dolphins, with distributions often 
extending farther from shore in the winter relative to the warmer 
months. For example, based on aerial surveys that extended as far as 20 
nmi offshore (37.0 km) of Banks Peninsula and were conducted over 3 
years (2002, 2004, and 2005), Rayment et al. (2010b) found that winter 
sightings extended as far as 18.2 nmi (33.6 km) offshore, compared to 
16.3 nmi (30.2 km) in summer; and, while only 7 percent of all dolphins 
were sighted beyond the 50 m isobath in summer, 44 percent of all 
dolphins were sighted beyond the 50 m isobath in winter. Slooten et al. 
(2005) report a similar change in distribution for Maui's dolphins 
between summer and winter aerial surveys conducted in 2004/2005. 
Similar seasonal changes in SI Hector's dolphin distribution relative 
to shore and water depth have also been detected in comparisons of 
summer and winter sightings data for the west coast of the South 
Island; however, the observed

[[Page 64113]]

seasonal shift on the west coast is less dramatic relative to that on 
the east coast (Rayment et al. 2011b, Mackenzie and Clement 2014).

Summary of ESA Section 4(a)(1) Factors Affecting Maui's Dolphin

    Available information regarding historical, current, and potential 
threats to Maui's dolphins was thoroughly reviewed and is discussed in 
detail in the status review report (Manning and Grantz 2016). We 
summarize information regarding these threats below according to the 
factors specified in section 4(a)(1) of the ESA.
    In August 2007, the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) 
and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI, formerly called the 
Ministry of Fisheries or MFish) released a draft Threat Management Plan 
(TMP) for Hector's dolphins. This plan describes the nature and level 
of actual and potential threats to Maui's dolphins, as well as 
strategies to address those threats. In addition, in June 2012, DOC and 
MPI convened a risk assessment workshop to inform their review of the 
Maui's dolphin portion of the TMP. The results of this semi-
quantitative risk assessment are available in the report by Currey et 
al. (2012). The report identifies, evaluates, and rates threats to 
Maui's dolphins based on scoring by an expert panel. Both the TMP and 
the risk assessment report greatly informed our assessment, as 
summarized below.

The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment of 
Its Habitat or Range

    Threats to the habitat of Maui's dolphins include pollution, 
mining, oil and gas development activities, acoustic disturbance 
(Currey et al. 2012).
    Persistent chemical pollutants are a concern for many cetacean 
species, which theoretically can accumulate high concentrations of 
contaminants due to their longevity, high trophic-level, and naturally 
high blubber content (Stockin et al. 2010). Contaminants are also 
specifically a concern for Hector's dolphins due to the dolphins' 
coastal distribution and thus close proximity to agricultural and 
industrial activities. Toxicological studies of contaminants, such as 
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine (OC) pesticides, 
are limited for Maui's dolphins, and studies on emerging contaminants, 
such as brominated flame retardant (PBDEs) and perfluorinated 
chemicals, have yet to be done. Numerous studies on other cetacean 
species have linked contaminants, such as heavy metals, PCBs, and OC 
pesticides, with biological impacts, including endocrine disruption, 
reproductive impairment, immune suppression, and elevated infectious 
disease (e.g., Fujise et al. 1988, Kuiken et al. 1994, Jepson et al. 
2005, O'Hara and O'Shea 2001, Schwacke et al. 2002, Wells et al. 2005). 
Stockin et al. (2010) examined PCB and OC contaminant loads in stranded 
or entangled Hector's dolphins (n=27, SI Hector's dolphins; n=3, Maui's 
dolphins) sampled from 1997 to 2009. Results indicated high 
concentrations of these chemicals in both subspecies, and a roughly 
two-fold increase in levels of OC pesticides than had been previously 
reported for Hector's dolphins by Jones et al. (1999). However, as 
noted by Stockin et al. (2010), no PCB concentrations were above 
thresholds associated with reproductive and immunological effects 
(Stockin et al. 2010).
    Pollution in the form of plastic marine debris from both marine and 
land-based sources can accumulate in, and degrade, Maui's dolphins' 
habitat. Plastics and other synthetic, non-biodegradable materials in 
the marine environment create the potential for entanglement, injury, 
and ingestion. Although data are lacking to evaluate whether and the 
extent to which this threat is impacting Maui's dolphins, Currey et al. 
(2012) did identify plastics as being likely to affect population 
trends over the next 5 years. Plastic bags have been identified as a 
concern in particular, because they may be mistaken for squid, a common 
prey item for Maui's dolphins.
    Interest in marine minerals mining along the North Island of New 
Zealand has been growing in recent years, with prospecting and 
exploration occurring mainly from Manukua Harbor south to New Plymouth 
(Thompson 2012). Exploration activities have mainly targeted iron sands 
or titanomagnetite (Thompson 2012). According to New Zealand Petroleum 
and Minerals (NZPM), which is the government agency responsible for 
issuing mining permits for New Zealand's oil, gas and mineral 
resources, demand and exploration for petroleum (oil and gas) is also 
increasing, and multiple areas within the range of Maui's dolphins are 
covered under existing prospecting, exploration, and mining permits. 
Mineral mining activities involving the large scale removal of sediment 
from the seabed are likely to lead to relatively long term (3-10 year) 
changes to benthic community composition, thereby altering prey 
availability and benthic topography (Thompson 2012). Other potential, 
unintended side-effects include the mobilization and accidental 
spilling of contaminants and exposure to greater levels of vessel 
traffic (Thompson 2012). Acoustic disturbance, such as from seismic 
surveys, sonar, and drilling activities, also poses a potential threat 
to Maui's dolphins, because it may have negative physical or 
physiological effects, such as shifts in hearing thresholds, and may 
disrupt normal behaviors, including navigating, migrating, and feeding 
(Gordon et al. 2003; Thompson 2012).
    The extent to which Maui's dolphins are currently being impacted by 
these and other habitat-related threats is assumed to be small. These 
threats have been characterized as having mainly sub-lethal effects, 
and combined, may currently be responsible for less than 4.5 percent of 
all Maui's dolphin mortalities (Currey et al. 2012). However, it is 
probable that Maui's dolphin habitat will become increasingly degraded 
as a result of pollution and acoustic and benthic disturbances due to 
increasing human pressure and demand for mineral and petroleum 
resources (MFish and DOC 2007b).

Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific or Educational 
Purposes

    Overutilization of Maui's dolphins for commercial, recreational, 
scientific, or educational purposes does not appear to pose a 
significant threat to Maui's dolphin. Maui's dolphins have not been 
exploited commercially; although, Baker (1978, citing Abel et al. 1971) 
noted that, between 1969 and 1972, a few Hector's dolphins were taken 
for live exhibition at Marineland of New Zealand. It's not clear which 
subspecies was taken. Hector's dolphins have also apparently been taken 
for food, oil, and bait; however, the extent to which this occurred is 
unknown (Pichler et al. 2003).
    There is some evidence that commercial dolphin-watching vessels and 
swim-with-dolphin operations cause behavioral changes in Hector's 
dolphins (Bejder et al. 1999, Constantine 1999, Martinez et al. 2012). 
Such tourism activities, however, seem to occur at a relatively low 
intensity within the range of Maui's dolphins and instead are much more 
concentrated elsewhere--mainly the Bay of Islands and the Bay of Plenty 
on the east coast of the North Island and various locations of the 
South Island (Martinez 2010b). Although tourism and the potential 
related impacts of boat strike, noise, and displacement were identified 
as threats in the risk assessment completed by Currey et al. (2012), 
the expert panel did not think these threats were likely to affect 
population trends within the next 5 years.

[[Page 64114]]

Disease or Predation

    Predation of Hector's dolphins by several shark species, such as 
seven-gill sharks (Notorhynchus cepedianus) and blue sharks (Prionace 
glauca), is known to occur; however, predation rates are not known 
(Slooten and Dawson 1988). Predation was not considered to be posing a 
threat to Maui's dolphins in the recent risk assessment by Currey et 
al. (2012).
    Disease is another known source of mortality for Hector's dolphins. 
In their evaluation, Currey et al. (2012) categorized natural disease, 
stress-induced disease, and domestic animal vectors as posing threats 
that are likely to have population level effects on Maui's dolphins 
within the next 5 years. Prevalence of infectious disease and 
associated behavioral impacts and mortality rates have not been well 
studied in Hector's dolphins, so the significance of this source of 
mortality remains unclear. Recently, Roe et al. (2013) found that 7 of 
28 Hector's dolphins (25 percent), including 2 of 3 Maui's dolphins, 
collected between 2007 and 2011 and later necropsied had died as a 
result of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Of the 22 dolphins for which a 
definitive cause of death was established, a total of ten (45 percent) 
were found to have died from infectious disease (T. gondii infections, 
bacterial infection, or fungal infection). These findings suggest that 
infectious disease may be a significant source of mortality for 
Hector's dolphins. In addition, while toxoplasmosis is typically a 
secondary disease in cetaceans, resulting in symptoms in 
immunosuppressed individuals rather than healthy individuals, there was 
no evidence of immunosuppression in these cases (Roe et al. 2013). This 
finding suggests that Hector's dolphins may be particularly susceptible 
to toxoplasmosis. Roe et al. (2013) also note that toxoplasmosis may 
have other effects beyond direct mortality and could be an important 
cause of neonatal loss. The source of the T. gondii infection could not 
be determined in this study, but exposure may be occurring through 
freshwater run-off from terrestrial sources (Roe et al. 2013). Overall, 
while data remain limited for Maui's dolphins, the available data 
suggest that disease, especially toxoplasmosis, is posing a threat to 
Maui's dolphins.

Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    A number of regulatory measures have been put in place to address 
bycatch of Maui's dolphins. Although data on bycatch of Maui's dolphins 
are limited, fishery-related mortality has been identified as posing a 
significant threat to Maui's dolphins. The risk assessment completed by 
Currey et al. (2012) attributed 95.5 percent of the estimated human-
caused mortalities forecasted to occur over the next 5 years to legal 
and illegal fishing-related activities. This translated into an 
estimated median of 4.97 Maui's dolphin mortalities per year due to 
fishing activities (95 percent confidence interval (CI) = 0.28--8.04). 
To help inform the risk assessment of Currey et al. (2012), Wade et al. 
(2012) calculated the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) for Maui's 
dolphins and estimated it as one dolphin mortality every 10 to 23 
years. PBR, which is a management tool specific to the U.S. Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is used to evaluate allowable levels of 
human-caused mortality (Wade 1998; Wade et al. 2012). (PBR is defined 
under section 3 of the MMPA as the maximum number of animals, not 
including natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal 
stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its optimum 
sustainable population (16 U.S.C. 1362).) This analysis indicates that 
the estimated bycatch mortality of Maui's dolphins greatly exceeds PBR.
    The DOC maintains a database of reports from the public of dead and 
stranded Hector's dolphins, and between 1921 and 2008, 45 percent of 
the reports for Maui's dolphins (4 of 11 dolphins) for which cause of 
death could be determined were found to have died due to ``possible,'' 
``probable,'' or ``known'' entanglement (http://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/hectors-and-maui-dolphin-incident-database/1921-2008/). Between 
July 2008 and January 2016, the DOC Incident Database lists an 
additional four confirmed Maui's dolphins, and of the two with 
determinable causes of death, one was an adult female found dead in 
January 2012 from entanglement in a commercial net set (http://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/hectors-and-maui-dolphin-incident-database/). 
(The other dolphin was recorded as having died due to natural causes.)
    Bycatch of Maui's dolphins occurs mainly in gillnet gear, but 
bycatch in trawl gear is likely also posing a threat (Bird and Palka 
2013). Although commercial gillnetting had been practiced in New 
Zealand since 1930 (DOC and MFish 1994), fishing effort was low until 
the mid-1970s (Dawson 1991). By the 1980's, bycatch of dolphins in 
gillnets became a serious concern in New Zealand (Dawson and Slooten 
2005). Eventually, in 2003, MFish began to address bycatch of Maui's 
dolphins by closing waters to set netting from Maunganui Bluff to 
Pariokariwa Point out to 4 nmi (7.4 km) and inside the entrance to the 
Manukau Harbor. Trawling was also prohibited out to 2 nmi (3.7 km) 
along most of this same stretch of coastline and out to 4 nmi within a 
short portion of the Maui's dolphin's core range (see Figure 7 in 
Manning and Grantz 2016). Commercial and recreational gillnetting 
continued within harbors and in the southern portion of the Maui's 
dolphin range.
    In 2007, when the draft TMP was released, the MPI and DOC concluded 
that bycatch was still the most serious threat to Hector's dolphins. In 
2008, MFish expanded protection for Maui's dolphins by extending the 
set netting closure out to 7 nmi (13.0 km; instead of 4 nmi (7.4 km)) 
and farther into Manukau Harbor. Then, in 2012, following an 
entanglement of a Maui's dolphin off Cape Egmont, an interim ban was 
put in place from Pariokariwa Point south to Hawera for all set netting 
out to 2 nmi (Gazette, 28 June 2012) and for commercial set netting 
between two and seven nautical miles offshore unless an MPI observer 
was on board (see Figure 8 in Manning and Grantz 2016). In 2013, the 
MPI determined that their interim measures would be made permanent (MPI 
and DOC 2013).
    This steady expansion of area-based, bycatch-reduction measures 
along the west coast of the North Island has resulted in a substantial 
level of protection for Maui's dolphins. However, bycatch remains a 
concern for Maui's dolphins, because current fisheries restrictions do 
not extend throughout their range and certain forms of fishing still 
occur within the core portion of the subspecies' range. In particular, 
commercial and non-commercial set netting occur within all west coast 
harbors, with all areas within the harbors, from intertidal areas to 
the deeper channels, being fished for species like flounder, mullet, 
and rig (MFish and DOC 2007b). Sightings data (Slooten et al. 2005) and 
passive acoustic data (Rayment et al. 2011a) indicate that Maui's 
dolphins occur at least occasionally within west coast harbors and 
therefore may be at risk of entanglement in these areas (MFish and DOC 
2007b). In addition, the southern extension of the gillnetting 
prohibitions that was put in place in 2012 only extends out to 2 nmi 
(3.7 km) from shore, as opposed to the 7 nmi (13 km) boundary elsewhere 
along the west coast. Beyond 2 nmi, gillnetting is permitted in this 
portion of the range if an MPI observer is on board. Furthermore, the 
extension of the closed area in the southern portion of the

[[Page 64115]]

dolphin's range may not extend far enough southward. The risk 
assessment of Currey et al. (2012) used survey and non-survey sightings 
data to develop a distribution for Maui's dolphins that extends to 
Whanganui, which is about 70 km south of the current gillnet closed 
area boundary at Hawera. Trawling also continues in waters past the 
existing 2 nmi or 4 nmi offshore boundary for the trawling closed 
area--even in the core portion of the Maui's dolphin's range. Currey et 
al. (2012) concluded that trawling in this zone was a source of 
continued bycatch risk for Maui's dolphins.
    Before the protected area extensions in 2012, estimated bycatch was 
about 4.69 to 13.01 dolphins per year or about 75 times the PBR of 
0.044-0.1 Maui's dolphins per year (Currey et al. 2012).). The recent 
extensions to the protection measures have reduced the estimated 
bycatch to 3.28-4.16 Maui's dolphin mortalities per year or about 54 
times PBR (Slooten 2014).
    A series of regulations have been put in place to address some of 
the threats associated with mining and petroleum industry activities. 
The West Coast North Island Marine Mammal Sanctuary (WCNIMMS) was 
established in 2008 as part of the draft TMP, and restrictions were put 
in place on seabed mining and acoustic seismic surveys within the 
sanctuary. In particular, seabed mineral mining was prohibited out to 2 
nmi (3.7 km) along the full length of the sanctuary and out to 4 nmi 
(7.4 km) south of Raglan Harbor to north of Manakau Harbor. However, a 
large swath of the sanctuary, which extends out 12 nmi (22.2 km) from 
the coast, remains open to mining. A range of operational requirements 
has been specified for seismic surveying within the sanctuary (Gazette: 
Gazette, 25 September 2008), including mandatory notification prior to 
conducting surveys and mandatory reporting of any interactions with 
dolphins. Qualified marine mammal observers are required on all survey 
ships to help ensure that no whales or dolphins are too close to the 
ship. When visibility is poor, hydrophones must be used to listen for 
whale and dolphin sounds (Gazette, 25 September 2008). In August 2012, 
the DOC Minister and the Minister of Energy and Resources developed a 
voluntary ``Code of Conduct for Minimizing Acoustic Disturbance to 
Marine Mammals from Seismic Surveys Operations.'' This voluntary 
guidance was intended to increase protections for Maui's dolphins, in 
part by identifying their entire historical range out to 100m water 
depth as an ``Area of Ecological Significance,'' which triggers 
additional mitigation requirements. Shortly thereafter, in November 
2013, the DOC and MPI announced a decision to formally regulate seismic 
surveying and make the 2012 code of conduct a mandatory standard. The 
mandatory code of conduct applies to Territorial waters, the Exclusive 
Economic Zone (EEZ) of New Zealand, and within all marine mammal 
sanctuaries, and it continues to include requirements for planning, 
operations, monitoring, and reporting. The 2013 code of conduct is 
currently undergoing review and may be further augmented to increase 
protections for Maui's dolphins and other species of concern.
    As indicated in the discussion above, there are gaps in the current 
regulatory protections for Maui's dolphins. Population viability 
analyses performed under previous management scenarios have predicted 
continued declines in abundance of Maui's dolphins or failure to 
recover (Burkhart and Slooten 2003, Slooten 2007a), as do more recent 
analyses under the current fisheries management regime (Slooten 2013). 
More recent modelling work also indicates that recovery of this 
subspecies will occur only under circumstances where human-induced 
mortality is extremely minimal (Wade et al. 2012; Slooten 2013). 
Therefore, we conclude that while the protections for Maui's dolphins 
have gradually increased from 2003 to present, there is insufficient 
evidence to conclude that current regulatory measures are adequate in 
terms of addressing threats to this subspecies.

Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence

    Other threats identified in the 2012 risk assessment and 
characterized as being likely to affect population trends within the 
next 5 years include fishing vessel noise, disturbance, and trophic 
effects of fishing; however, these threats were considered to 
collectively make very limited contributions to the overall level of 
human-caused mortality (Currey et al. 2012). Although vessel traffic 
and its associated impacts of disturbance and boat strikes were 
considered to contribute little to annual mortality of Maui's dolphins, 
mortality due to vessel traffic was rated as having a 47.8 percent 
chance of exceeding PBR (Currey et al. 2012). Due to their coastal 
distribution and apparent attraction to small boats (Baker 1978, 
Slooten and Dawson 1988), the potential for boat strikes could be 
considered relatively high, but reports of boat strikes have been 
extremely rare (Stone and Yoshinaga 2000a). None of the reports within 
the DOC Incident Database from July 2008 to April 2016 are listed with 
boat strike as the cause of death.

Summary of ESA Section 4(a)(1) Factors Affecting SI Hector's Dolphin

    Available information regarding historical, current, and potential 
threats to SI Hector's dolphins was thoroughly reviewed and is 
discussed in detail in the status review report (Manning and Grantz 
2016). We summarize information regarding these threats below according 
to the factors specified in section 4(a)(1) of the ESA.

The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment of 
Its Habitat or Range

    As discussed earlier for Maui's dolphins, persistent chemical 
pollutants are a concern for SI Hector's dolphins, which can 
theoretically accumulate high concentrations of contaminants due to 
their longevity, high trophic-level, and naturally high blubber content 
(Stockin et al. 2010). In cetaceans, biological impacts resulting from 
accumulation of contaminants such as heavy metals, PCBs, and 
organochlorine (OC) pesticides include endocrine disruption, 
reproductive impairment, immune suppression, and elevated infectious 
disease (e.g., Fujise et al. 1988, Kuiken et al. 1994, O'Hara and 
O'Shea 2001, Schwacke et al. 2002, Jepson et al. 2005, Wells et al. 
2005). As previously mentioned, Stockin et al. (2010) found high PCB 
and OC contaminant loads in Hector's dolphins (n=27, SI Hector's 
dolphins; n=3, Maui's dolphins) sampled from 1997 to 2009, and a 
roughly two-fold increase in levels of OC pesticides than had been 
previously reported for Hector's dolphins by Jones et al. (1999). 
However, no PCB concentrations were above thresholds associated with 
reproductive and immunological effects (Stockin et al. 2010). High 
levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans 
(PCDFs), which are two related and ubiquitous chemical contaminants, 
were also found to occur at unexpected levels in the blubber of six SI 
Hector's dolphins (Buckland et al. 1990).
    Plastic marine debris is also a concern for SI Hector's dolphins. 
Plastics and other synthetic, non-biodegradable materials in the marine 
environment create the potential for entanglement, injury, and 
ingestion by various marine species. As with other marine mammals, 
Hector's dolphins may become entangled and subsequently wounded, or 
have impaired foraging ability, and/or increased susceptibility to 
predation. Ingestion of plastics by marine species has been associated 
with a multitude of

[[Page 64116]]

impacts including blockage of the digestive tract, starvation, 
reduction in reproductive capacity, drowning, and possible accumulation 
of toxic compounds (Laist 1997, Gregory 2009). Plastic debris was found 
in the stomach of a SI Hector's dolphin that stranded along the coast 
of the Canterbury region, and there are anecdotal reports of SI 
Hector's dolphins off Banks Peninsula with fishing line or netting 
entangling the head or upper body and cutting into the blubber (MFish 
and DOC 2007b).
    Mining occurs along the west coast of the South Island where there 
are significant nearshore and beach deposits of ilmenite (mined mainly 
for titanium dioxide). The TMP for Hector's dolphins identified 
possible impacts of mining activity, including loss or reduction in 
prey species, noise, and vessel disturbance (MFish and DOC 2007b). 
Based on a search of the NZPM's map in June 2016 (http://data.nzpam.govt.nz/permitwebmaps?commodity=minerals), a large portion 
of the SI Hector's dolphin west coast range is included in a 
prospecting permit application, indicating the potential for continued 
mining activity in this region.
    Prospecting permits for petroleum cover large areas along the 
southeastern coast of the South Island (http://data.nzpam.govt.nz/permitwebmaps?commodity=petroleum, June 2016). Drill ships are also 
operated off Canterbury and along the west coast of the South Island. 
Potential habitat impacts from these activities include oil spills; 
increased vessel traffic; and acoustic disturbances from seismic 
surveys, sonar, and drilling activities. Contaminants in oil and gas 
may impact the health of the dolphins, and the associated noise may 
disrupt normal behaviors, such as navigating, migrating, and feeding 
(Gordon et al. 2003, Thompson 2012).
    Overall, it is clear that SI Hector's dolphins are exposed to 
multiple habitat-related threats. However, the extent to which SI 
Hector's dolphins are being impacted--both individually and at a 
population level--by these habitat-related threats is not yet 
established due to insufficient data (MFish and DOC 2007b). It is 
possible that SI Hector's dolphin habitat will become increasingly 
degraded in the future with increasing human use of the coastal zone 
and its resources (MFish and DOC 2007b).

Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific or Educational 
Purposes

    Hector's dolphins have not been systematically captured for any 
commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; 
although, as noted earlier, a few Hector's dolphins have been taken for 
live exhibition. While Hector's dolphins have also apparently been 
taken for food, oil, and bait, the extent to which this occurred is not 
known (Pichler et al. 2003).
    There is growing evidence that overutilization in the form of 
commercial dolphin-watching and swim-with-dolphin operations, which are 
increasingly popular tourist activities in New Zealand, are a concern 
for SI Hector's dolphins. The majority of the commercial viewing and 
encounter operations in New Zealand occur around the South Island and 
are especially popular along the east coast off Kaikoura and within 
Akaroa Harbor, which have become major eco-tourist destinations in New 
Zealand (Martinez 2010b). Within Akaroa Harbor, and as of 2010, there 
were up to about 18 daily `swim-with' trips and 14 dolphin-watching 
trips per day between November and March that specifically targeted 
Hector's dolphins (Martinez 2010b). In addition to permitted commercial 
operations, opportunistic viewing also occurs by both commercial and 
recreational boaters.
    Dolphin-watching and swim-with-dolphin operations have been shown 
to cause behavioral changes in Hector's dolphins (Bejder et al. 1999, 
Constantine 1999, Martinez et al. 2012). In a study of SI Hector's 
dolphins in Porpoise Bay, Bejder et al. (1999) found that while SI 
Hector's dolphins were not displaced by dolphin-watching tour boats, 
the dolphins did respond by approaching the boats, especially 
initially, and by forming significantly tighter groupings. A possible 
interpretation of the behavioral response of `bunching' is that the 
boat is perceived as some kind of threat and may in fact cause the 
animals some level of stress (Constantine 1999). In Akaroa Harbor, 
Martinez (2010b) found that both diving--which is considered a feeding 
behavior--and travelling were significantly disrupted by vessel 
interactions. Evidence also indicates that the use of sounds to attract 
Hector's dolphins to swimmers affects the behavior of the dolphins 
(Martinez et al. 2012). For example, both the number and the duration 
of close interactions or approaches by Hector's dolphins were 
significantly greater when a swimmer banged two rocks together 
underwater (Martinez et al. 2012). Such deliberate efforts to attract 
Hector's dolphins could have behavioral consequences such as disrupted 
or reduced foraging time, which in turn can have biological 
consequences (Martinez et al. 2012). For some regional dolphin 
populations, a relatively large portion of that population can be 
exposed to the tourist activities occurring in a particular harbor or 
area. For example, about 80 percent of the SI Hector's dolphins that 
were photo-identified in surveys around Banks Peninsula between 1985 
and 2006 had alongshore home ranges that included Akaroa Harbor, and 
for half of these dolphins, Akaroa Harbor served as a core use or 
``hub'' area (Rayment et al. 2009a).
    Longer-term impacts of these tourism activities on SI Hector's 
dolphins are not yet clear but could include physiological stress, 
reduced energy intake, and possibly even reduced calving success. 
Linkages between immediate behavioral responses to vessel traffic and 
longer-term biological consequences have already been established for 
other species (e.g., Tursiops sp.) and include declines in abundance 
and reduced reproductive success in females (Bejder et al. 2006a, 
2006b, 2006c). Given this information and the fact that SI Hector's 
dolphin populations encounter dolphin-watching operations in multiple 
areas of their range (e.g., Porpoise Bay, Timaru, Akaroa Harbor, and 
Marlborough Sounds), dolphin-watching and `swim-with' activities are 
likely posing a significant but sub-lethal threat to this subspecies. 
The actual magnitude of this threat cannot yet be established, but this 
threat is likely to persist given the popularity and lucrativeness of 
the eco-tourism industry in New Zealand.

Disease or Predation

    As previously mentioned, predation of Hector's dolphins by several 
shark species, such as broadnose seven-gill sharks (N. cepedianus) and 
blue sharks (P. glauca), is known to occur (Slooten and Dawson 1988). 
Although seven-gill sharks are particularly common around Banks 
Peninsula, predation rates are not known (Slooten and Dawson 1988), and 
there is no evidence to suggest predation is posing a threat to this 
subspecies.
    Prevalence of infectious disease and associated impacts have not 
yet been well studied in Hector's dolphins, but recent evidence 
suggests that infectious disease may be a significant source of 
mortality for SI Hector's dolphins. In particular, Roe et al. (2013) 
found that out of 22 dolphins collected between 2007 and 2011 for which 
a definitive cause of death was established, a total of ten (45 
percent) had died due to infectious disease (Toxoplasma gondii 
infections, bacterial infection, or fungal infection). Five of the 22 
SI Hector's dolphins (23 percent) were found to

[[Page 64117]]

have died as a result of T. gondii infection (toxoplasmosis, Roe et al. 
2013). While toxoplasmosis is typically a secondary disease in 
cetaceans, resulting in symptoms in immunosuppressed individuals rather 
than healthy individuals, there was no evidence of immunosuppression in 
these cases, suggesting that Hector's dolphins are particularly 
susceptible to toxoplasmosis (Roe et al. 2013). Beyond direct 
mortality, toxoplasmosis can also have other biological consequences, 
such as behavioral changes, reduced reproductive rate, and neonatal 
loss. Because the fatal cases of T. gondii infection in this study were 
distributed throughout almost the entire range of the SI Hector's 
dolphin, exposure is probably occurring over broad areas. Overall, the 
available data suggest that disease, especially toxoplasmosis, is 
posing a threat to SI Hector's dolphins.

Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    As with Maui's dolphins, a number of regulatory measures have been 
put in place to address bycatch of SI Hector's dolphins. As previously 
noted, by the 1980's, bycatch of Hector's dolphins in commercial and 
recreational gillnets was recognized as a serious issue in New Zealand 
(Dawson and Slooten 2005). In the South Island, a region of particular 
concern was the Pegasus Bay and Canterbury Bight area along the east 
coast, where there was a known high degree of overlap between inshore 
gillnetting and a locally abundant population of SI Hector's dolphins. 
To begin to quantify the level of bycatch, Dawson (1991b) conducted 
fisherman interviews during 1984-1988 and found that at least 230 SI 
Hector's dolphins had died due to entanglement in commercial and 
recreational gillnets in the Pegasus Bay and Canterbury Bight region 
during this period. Ages of entangled dolphins that were physically 
examined (n=43) ranged from younger than 1 year to about 20 years old, 
but a high proportion (63 percent) were 3 years old or younger, 
suggesting that younger dolphins are especially vulnerable to 
entanglement (Dawson 1991b). Overall, this level of bycatch (i.e., 230 
over 4 years or about 57.5 entanglement mortalities per year), greatly 
exceeded the estimated population growth rate for this regional 
population (1.8-4.9 percent or 13.3-36.3 individuals per year; Dawson 
and Slooten 1988b, Slooten and Lad 1991). Subsequent analyses based on 
observer data, suggested that bycatch rates during this period (1984-
1988) were actually much higher, averaging 100 dolphins per year 
(Davies et al. 2007).
    Released in 2007, the TMP for Hector's dolphins identified set 
gillnetting as the greatest source of human-caused mortality of 
Hector's dolphins but also discussed how SI Hector's dolphins are 
incidentally captured in other gear types (MFish and DOC 2007b). 
Between 1921 and when the TMP was released, the DOC Incident Database 
indicates there had been 19 reports of Hector's dolphin mortalities due 
to trawls, which corresponds to 9 percent of the reported incidents 
with a known cause of death. All 19 of these reports occurred off the 
South Island within 2 nmi (3.7 km) of shore (MFish and DOC 2007b). 
Entanglement deaths of SI Hector's dolphins have also occurred in pot 
traps (e.g., rock lobster pots). Three such incidents were reported (in 
1989, 1997, and 2004) and all occurred off Kaikoura, which is along the 
northeast coast of the South Island (MFish and DOC 2007b).
    In reaction to the growing concern over bycatch of Hector's 
dolphins, the DOC established the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal 
Sanctuary (BPMMS) in 1988. When it was first established, the sanctuary 
extended from Sumner Head to the Rakaia River and out to 4 nmi (7.4 
km), covering an area of about 1,140 sq km. All gillnetting within the 
sanctuary (with some harbor exceptions) was prohibited from November 
through February, and additional gear restrictions that applied 
throughout the remainder of the year essentially resulted in a year-
round ban of commercial gillnetting within the sanctuary (Dawson and 
Slooten 1993). Additional restrictions on recreational gillnetting, 
such as limiting fishing to daylight hours only and requiring 
continuous tending of nets, were also enacted to help further reduce 
bycatch mortality. Based on fisheries observer data, bycatch in 
gillnets continued to occur to the immediate north and south of the 
sanctuary at unsustainable levels (Baird and Bradford 2000, Dawson and 
Slooten 2005), and there was little evidence of improved survival of SI 
Hector's dolphins within the sanctuary (Cameron et al. 1999). In 
recognition that further protection of SI Hector's dolphins was needed, 
the sanctuary boundaries were expanded in 2008 to the north and south 
and out to 12 nmi (22.2 km) offshore, but no restrictions on fishing 
activities were applied to the area beyond the original 4 nmi (7.4 km) 
sanctuary boundary (MFish and DOC 2007b, DOC 2008). The sanctuary 
currently encompasses about 4,130 sq. km and 389 km of coastline.
    In addition to the expansion of BPMMS, a series of fishing 
restrictions were put in place in 2008 to reduce bycatch of SI Hector's 
dolphins elsewhere around the South Island. Along the east and south 
coasts, from Cape Jackson in the Marlborough Sounds to Sandhill Point 
east of Fiordland, commercial gillnetting was banned out to 4 nmi (7.4 
km) from shore, except at Kaikoura, where it was banned out to 1 nmi 
(1.9 km), and in Te Waewae Bay, where it is banned out to about 9 nmi 
(16.7 km) from shore (MFish 2008). Recreational gillnetting was allowed 
to continue in specified harbors and estuaries; and, in the case of 
flatfishing (e.g. for Rhombosolea spp.), gillnetting was permitted from 
April through September in the upper reaches of four harbors on Banks 
Peninsula, and in a similar area in Queen Charlotte Sound. Trawling was 
also prohibited along the east and south coasts from Cape Jackson to 
Sandhill Point out to 2 nmi (3.7 km), with an exception for trawls 
using a low headline net (used to target flatfish, MFish 2008). On the 
west coast of the South Island, again with some exceptions for certain 
harbors, inlets, estuaries, river mouths and lagoons, recreational set 
netting was banned year-round in waters out to 2 nmi (3.7 km) and from 
Cape Farewell on Farewell Spit to Awarua Point north of Fiordland; and 
commercial set netting was banned in the same area from December 
through February (MFish 2008). No trawling prohibitions were 
implemented for the west coast, and no fishing prohibitions were 
instituted along the north coast of the South Island. Since 2008, some 
amendments and changes to these fishery restrictions have been made for 
particular fishing activities and specific locations, but these changes 
are limited in scope and scale and are not discussed in detail here; 
see Manning and Grantz (2016) for additional detail.
    Recently, in 2013, the DOC established the Akaroa Harbor Marine 
Reserve at the mouth of Akaroa Harbor on Banks Peninsula. This reserve 
includes about 512 hectares of habitat or about 12 percent of the total 
harbor area (www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/
canterbury/places/banks-peninsula-area/akaroa-marine-reserve/). As a 
result of this designation, which provides protection to all marine 
life within the reserve, fishing and any other taking of living or non-
living marine resources is prohibited.
    Despite the gradual increase in fishing restrictions around the 
South Island, exposure of SI Hector's dolphins to fishing activity 
remains fairly high

[[Page 64118]]

throughout the South Island. On the west coast, where the dolphins are 
known to occur year-round and range to about 6.5 nmi (12.0 km) offshore 
(Mackenzie and Clement 2016), commercial gillnetting is prohibited only 
out to 2 nmi for just 3 months of the year, and there are no 
prohibitions on trawling. Survey sightings off the south coast indicate 
that the dolphins at least occasionally occur as far as 9.6 nmi (17.8 
km) from shore and outside of protected areas (Clement et al. 2011). On 
the east coast, a substantial portion of the population is distributed 
well beyond the current closed areas, particularly in winter months 
(e.g., out to 18.2 nmi (33.7 km), Rayment et al. 2006, Rayment et al. 
2010b); and gillnetting is still allowed within the BPMMS in waters 
between the original (4 nmi) and the extended offshore boundary (12 
nmi).
    Evidence of continued bycatch around the South Island is available 
in the DOC Incident Database (www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/hectors-and-
maui-dolphin-incident-database/), which lists 13 entanglement 
mortalities between May 2009 and April 2015; and, in 2012, two Hector's 
dolphins were found stranded and wrapped in a gillnet just north of 
Christchurch (Slooten 2013, 2016). Unfortunately, the actual level of 
bycatch since 2008 is unknown and the database records provide only a 
subset of the total bycatch (Slooten and Dawson 2016). The majority of 
mortalities captured in the database are also listed as having unknown 
or indeterminable causes. Pichler et al. (2003) reported that of the 
dolphins caught by commercial and recreational gillnet fishers and 
brought in for necropsies, only about half have discernable net 
markings, contributing further to the underestimation of bycatch rates. 
Some additional data are available from commercial gillnetting observer 
programs. For example, based on low observer coverage of commercial 
gillnet vessels from May 2009 through April 2010 (about 15.8 percent of 
fishing days and about 13 percent of total sets), three SI Hector's 
dolphin mortalities were recorded from the east coast of the South 
Island (ECSI; MPI 2011b, Slooten and Davies 2012). Slooten and Davies 
(2012) analyzed these data and estimated that 23 SI Hector's dolphins 
(range of 4-48, CV = 0.21) were caught off the ECSI in that year.
    Evidence from multiple modelling efforts suggests that SI Hector's 
dolphins will continue to decline due to bycatch under the current 
management measures. For example, for the most recent assessment of the 
BPMMS population, which has benefited from almost three decades of 
protection, Gormley et al. (2012) conducted a mark-recapture analysis 
of photographically identified dolphins (n=462) from 1986 to 2006 to 
compare annual survival rates before and after establishment of the 
sanctuary and associated gillnetting restrictions. Results indicated 
that between the two time periods, mean survival probability increased 
by 5.4 percent (from 0.863 to 0.917), which corresponds to a 6 percent 
increase in population growth. However, the population projections 
using the post-sanctuary survival rate also corresponded to a mean 
annual population decrease of 0.5 percent per year, with only 41 
percent of the model simulations resulting in a population increase 
(Gormley et al. 2012). As noted by Gormley et al. (2012), this finding 
is consistent with other research indicating that the BPMMS is too 
small to allow recovery of this SI Hector's dolphin population (Rayment 
et al. 2006, Slooten et al. 2006b, Slooten and Dawson 2008, Rayment et 
al. 2010b, Slooten and Dawson 2010). A population viability analysis by 
Slooten and Dawson (2010), which relied on commercial gillnet observer 
data for a portion of the east coast to estimate bycatch (from Baird 
and Bradford 2000), projected that the west coast population would 
continue to decline (by just over 1,000 individuals by 2050), the Banks 
Peninsula population would continue to decline, and the remainder of 
the east coast population would slowly increase (by 450 individuals by 
2050). In a review of risk assessments for SI Hector's dolphins, 
Slooten and Davies (2012) found that despite differing modelling 
approaches and assumptions applied, the risk assessments were highly 
consistent and were in general agreement that recovery of SI Hector's 
dolphins is unlikely under the current level of protections.
    Overall, based on the available information, the existing measures 
to address the threat of bycatch of SI Hector's dolphins appear 
inadequate, and we conclude that bycatch continues to pose a 
significant risk to this subspecies. The risk of bycatch in commercial 
and recreational trawl and gillnet fisheries remains high given the 
known distribution of the dolphins relative to areas closed to fishing, 
especially on the west and north coasts (Faustino et al. 2013, Slooten 
2013). Although bycatch of SI Hector's dolphins has been slowed by the 
fisheries restrictions implemented in 2008, available risk analyses 
indicate that population decline is expected to continue (Slooten and 
Dawson 2010, Gormley et al. 2012, Slooten and Davies 2012). Finally, 
enforcement of the existing regulations may be insufficient. Illegal 
fishing has been reported for Banks Peninsula (Slooten and Davies 
2012), and illegal fishing is discussed in the TMP (MFish and DOC 
2007b). There are insufficient data available to evaluate the level of 
compliance with existing regulations.
    Several management measures have been implemented to address some 
of the threats associated with mining and petroleum industry 
activities. For both petroleum and minerals mining activities, a permit 
is generally required from local authorities under the Resource 
Management Act 1991 for mining activities within New Zealand's 
territorial sea (within 12 nmi from the coast). For mining activities 
beyond the territorial sea, the Environmental Protection Authority 
(EPA) manages the environmental effects of activity under the Exclusive 
Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 
(EEZ Act) and its regulations, which establish which activities require 
permits and impact assessments. Seismic surveys are permitted under the 
EEZ Act if they adhere to the Code of Conduct for Minimizing Acoustic 
Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations (DOC 
2013). In 2013, the DOC and MPI updated their seismic survey guidelines 
and announced a decision to make the code of conduct a mandatory 
standard. The mandatory code of conduct applies to Territorial waters, 
the EEZ of New Zealand, and within all marine mammal sanctuaries, and 
includes requirements for planning, operations, monitoring, and 
reporting. The 2013 code of conduct is currently undergoing review and 
may be further augmented to increase protections for Hector's dolphins 
and other species of concern. Discharge management plans associated 
with mining activities also must be approved under the Maritime Rules 
Part 200, Maritime New Zealand prior to drilling.
    To help manage non-fishing-related threats to Hector's dolphins, 
the DOC expanded BPMMS in 2008 and established an additional three 
marine mammal sanctuaries- the Catlins Coast, Clifford and Cloudy Bay, 
and Te Waewae Bay Marine Mammal Sanctuaries (MMS). The Catlins Coast 
MMS lies along the south coast of the South Island (SCSI) between Three 
Brother's Point and Busy Point and extends 5 nmi to 6.9 nmi offshore. 
The sanctuary encompasses about 660 sq km of marine habitat and 161 km 
of coastline. The Clifford and Cloudy Bay MMS, which lies on the 
northeast coast,

[[Page 64119]]

includes about 1,427 sq km and 338 km of coastline between Cape 
Campbell to Tory Channel, and extends 12 nmi offshore. The Te Waewae 
Bay MMS includes this entire SCSI bay and encompasses about 359 sq km 
of marine habitat and 113 km of coastline. Protections for SI Hector's 
dolphins that accompanied the expansion of BPMMS and the designation of 
these three additional sanctuaries were specific requirements for 
conducting seismic surveys. Included among the requirements for seismic 
surveys are mandatory notification prior to conducting surveys, 
mandatory reporting of any interactions with dolphins, and presence of 
qualified marine mammal observers on all survey ships (Gazette, 23 
September 2008). There are no additional restrictions on mining 
activities within the sanctuaries.
    Overall, while there is a clear regulatory process in place for 
reviewing and permitting mining activities, given the existing 
information, it is not clear whether existing management measures are 
adequate to minimize acoustic and other impacts to SI Hector's dolphins 
such that these activities do not pose a threat to the subspecies.
    The dolphin-watching industry in New Zealand is regulated under the 
Marine Mammals Protection Regulations (MMPR), which were revised in 
1992 in response to the growth in marine mammal-based tourism 
(Constantine (1999), citing Donoghue 1996). Among other provisions, 
these regulations govern the issuance of permits to commercial 
operators and, as discussed above, the behavior of vessels around 
dolphins. As a permit issuance criterion, commercial tour operators are 
required to ensure that their activities have ``no significant adverse 
effect'' on their targeted population (MMPR, 1992; Appendix 1.4). Given 
the high level of commercial dolphin watching operations in some 
portions of the SI Hector's dolphin's range, the repeat exposure of 
individual dolphins to vessels and/or `swim-with' activities, and the 
potential linkage to long-term biological consequences, it is possible 
that the current level of tourism is having a significant adverse 
impact on the subspecies. We find that there are insufficient data by 
which to verify that this permit issuance criterion is being met.
    Pursuant to the MMPR, all boaters, both recreational and 
commercial, must adhere to certain rules when operating around marine 
mammals. For example, no more than 3 vessels and/or aircraft are 
allowed within 300 m of any marine mammal at the same time; speeds must 
be kept to `no wake' speeds when within 300 m of any marine mammal; 
swimmers are prohibited from swimming with dolphin pods with very young 
calves; and boats are prohibited from circling, obstructing, or cutting 
through any group (MMPR 1992, part 3). Compliance monitoring is limited 
and sufficient quantitative data are not available to assess compliance 
by commercial and recreational boaters with these regulations (MFish 
and DOC 2007b). Thus, it is difficult to determine whether these 
regulations, and the associated education and enforcement, adequately 
address boat-related disturbance and boat strikes, which are discussed 
further in the section below.

Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence

    Other potential threats to SI Hector's dolphins include vessel 
noise, trophic effects of fishing, and climate change; however, there 
are no data available to assess how or whether these factors are 
contributing to the overall level of human-caused mortality or 
population trends. Boat strikes, however, are a documented source of 
mortality for Hector's dolphins, and the TMP identifies vessel traffic 
as a threat that can result in disturbance and mortality (MFish and DOC 
2007b). Vessel traffic has increased around the South Island, 
especially in areas more densely populated by people, and reports of 
cetaceans with propeller scars have increased (Martinez 2010b). Stone 
and Yoshinaga (2000) reported the death of two calves on consecutive 
days in Akaroa Harbor. In 1999, two calves, both estimated to be 
younger than 4 weeks old, were recovered on successive days from Akaroa 
Harbor, and autopsy results confirmed that one calf was killed by 
collision with a boat and the other calf by a propeller strike (Stone 
and Yoshinaga 2000). Stone and Yoshinaga (2000) suggest that mother and 
calf pairs may be less capable of evading boats if they are approached. 
Although the specific cause of death was unknown, the TMP also states 
that there were an additional nine cases from around the South Island 
in which cause of death was some form of trauma (MFish and DOC 2007b). 
Overall, data are too limited to assess the rate of boat strikes, but 
existing information clearly indicates that boat strikes are 
contributing to the total level of human-caused mortality.

Demographic Risks Affecting Extinction Risk for Maui's Dolphins

    In our status review, data and information about demographic risks 
to Maui's dolphins were considered according to four categories--
abundance and trends, population growth/productivity, spatial 
structure/connectivity, and genetic diversity. Each of these 
demographic threat categories was then rated according to the following 
qualitative scale:
    Very low risk: It is unlikely that this factor contributes 
significantly to risk of extinction, either by itself or in combination 
with other demographic factors.
    Low risk: It is unlikely that this factor contributes significantly 
to long-term or near future risk of extinction by itself, but there is 
some concern that it may, in combination with other demographic 
factors.
    Moderate risk: This factor is likely to contribute significantly to 
long-term risk of extinction, but does not by itself constitute a 
danger of extinction in the near future.
    High risk: This factor contributes significantly to long-term risk 
of extinction and is likely to contribute to short-term risk of 
extinction in the near future.
    Very high risk: This factor by itself indicates danger of 
extinction in the near future. (Note: The term ``significantly'' is 
used here as it is generally defined--i.e., in a sufficiently great or 
important way as to be worthy of attention.)
    In the sections below, we present information from Manning and 
Grantz (2016) to summarize the demographic risks facing Maui's 
dolphins.

A. Abundance and Trends

    Based on line-transect aerial surveys conducted in January 2004, 
Slooten et al. 2006a estimated a total population size of 111 Maui's 
dolphins (95 percent CI = 48-252). A more recent abundance estimate, 
derived through genetic mark-recapture analysis of samples collected in 
2010 and 2011, is 55 dolphins over 1 year of age (95 percent CI: 48-69, 
Hamner et al. 2012b). This estimate is based on a genetic mark-
recapture analysis using 37 biopsy samples collected in 2010 and 36 
biopsy samples collected in 2011, which were genotyped across 20 
variable microsatellite loci and analyzed in a closed-sample model 
(Lincoln-Peterson estimator with Chapman correction, Chapman 1951; 
Hamner et al. 2012b). Both of these estimates indicate that the 
abundance of Maui's dolphins is critically low.
    Small populations can face higher risks of extinction from a range 
of factors, including stochastic demographic processes, genetic 
effects, and environmental catastrophes; and various theoretical 
abundance

[[Page 64120]]

thresholds have been proposed as indicators of relative extinction risk 
(Gilpin and Soul[eacute] 1986, Allendorf et al. 1987, Mace et al. 
2008). Both of the most recent abundance estimates for Maui's dolphins 
are well below commonly cited theoretical thresholds indicating a very 
high risk of extinction--e.g., 250 total individuals (Allendorf et al. 
1987) and 250 mature individuals (Mace et al. 2008).
    Although historical abundance estimates are not available, Slooten 
(2007a) estimated population abundances for 1970 by back-calculating, 
using a population estimate of 117 dolphins (CV= 0.44) and estimates of 
fishing effort and rate of dolphin bycatch. Results suggest that the 
abundance of Maui's dolphins in 1970 was about 1,729 dolphins (CV= 
0.51, Slooten 2007, Slooten and Dawson 2010). Martien et al. (1999) 
also projected numbers back to 1970 using an earlier abundance estimate 
published by Dawson and Slooten (1988; i.e., 134 dolphins), and 
estimated there were about 448 Maui's dolphins in 1970. Although there 
are differences in the models, assumptions, input data, and results of 
these two analyses, these estimated abundances for 1970 suggest the 
Maui's dolphin population has declined by about 90 percent or more when 
compared to the current abundance estimate of 55 dolphins over 1 year 
of age.
    Available evidence suggests that abundance of Maui's dolphins will 
continue to decline. For example, an annual rate of decline of 3.0 
percent per year (95 percent CI: -11 percent to +6 percent) and an 
annual survival rate of 84 percent (95 percent CI = 0.75-0.90) was 
estimated by Hamner et al. (2012b). Although this result was somewhat 
equivocal given the large confidence interval, a projected decline is 
supported by the trend analysis conducted by Wade et al. (2012) using 
six different abundance estimates generated from 1985 to 2011. Wade et 
al. (2012) calculated a statistically significant declining trend of -
3.2 percent per year from 1985 to 2011 (90 percent CI = -5.7 percent to 
-0.6 percent, p = 0.029).
    Given a population abundance of fewer than 100 dolphins over one 
year of age, evidence of a very large historical decline, and evidence 
of possible continued decline, this demographic risk category was rated 
as posing a ``very high risk'' for the subspecies.

B. Population Growth

    Fecundity (i.e., the number of female offspring per female per 
breeding season) of Maui's dolphins is relatively low (0.165 to 0.25, 
Secchi et al. 2004b), with females having calves every two to four 
years after reaching maturity at about 7 years of age (Slooten and 
Dawson 1994, Dawson 2009). Due to an estimated lifespan of only about 
22 years, later maturity, and low fecundity, Maui's dolphins are 
considered to have a low intrinsic rate of population growth (Dawson 
2009). The annual mortality rate is estimated to be about 17 percent 
per year for dolphins 1 year of age and older (Hamner et al. 2012b), 
and, as mentioned above, modelling results suggest a declining 
population trend (Wade et al. 2012). Overall, this demographic factor 
was found to constitute a ``high risk'' for Maui's dolphin.

C. Population Structure and Connectivity

    Maui's dolphins are thought to have once ranged along the entire 
coast of the North Island (Russell 1999, Dawson et al. 2001b, Baker et 
al. 2002, Du Fresne 2010). The dolphins now occur only off the west 
coast of the North Island. While there is no indication of spatial 
structuring within the subspecies, data do indicate that home ranges of 
individuals are probably small (e.g. 35.5 km (SE= 4.03), Oremus et al. 
2012), and that movements over 100 km are probably rare (Hamner et al. 
2012b). Overall, the available information indicates that substantial 
range contraction has already occurred, gene flow will be limited among 
populations of Hector's dolphins that are over 100 km apart, and any 
fragmentation of the remaining population would be a serious concern. 
Overall, this demographic factor was rated as posing a ``moderate 
risk'' for Maui's dolphins.

D. Genetic Diversity

    Genetic diversity in Maui's dolphins is currently very low. Pichler 
(2002) analyzed microsatellite DNA for Maui's dolphins across six loci 
(n = 4 to 12) and reported an average of 1.5 alleles per locus, three 
of which were fixed (i.e., 1 allele), and an overall low heterozygosity 
(0.083-0.25). Analyses of contemporary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 
samples also indicate a single maternal lineage (Pichler 2002, Hamner 
et al. 2012a). This level of haplotype diversity (i.e., h = 0) is well 
below the typical range of 0.70-0.92 for other more abundant odontocete 
species (Pichler and Baker 2000) and is only seen in several other rare 
marine mammals (e.g., vaquita (Phocoena sinus), north Atlantic right 
whale (Eubalaena glacialis), Dawson et al. 2001b).
    Maui's dolphins are reproductively isolated from SI Hector's 
dolphins, and there has been no recent gene flow between the subspecies 
(Pichler et al. 2001, Hamner et al. 2012a). Based on analyses of mtDNA, 
the North Island subspecies has been isolated from the South Island 
populations for up to 16,000 years (Pichler et al. 2001). Hamner et al. 
(2012a) noted that some degree of inbreeding is inevitable for such a 
small, isolated population and also suggested that the significant 
deviation from a 1:1 sex ratio they observed for stranded Maui's 
dolphins, due to an excess of females in their sample (41 females of 68 
total Maui's dolphins), may be an indication of deleterious inbreeding 
effects.
    Overall, Maui's dolphins have very low genetic diversity, are 
genetically isolated, and are vulnerable to inbreeding depression and 
the accumulation of deleterious mutations, which are serious concerns 
that can hasten the extinction of small populations (Lunch et al. 1995, 
Frankham 2005, O'Grady et al. 2006). This demographic factor was rated 
as a ``high risk'' for Maui's dolphins.

Demographic Risks Affecting Extinction Risk for SI Hector's Dolphins

    In the sections below, we present information from Manning and 
Grantz (2016) on the demographic risks facing SI Hector's dolphins. As 
with Maui's dolphins, demographic risks to SI Hector's dolphins were 
considered according to the same four categories (abundance and trends, 
population growth/productivity, spatial structure/connectivity, and 
genetic diversity) and rated according to the same qualitative scale as 
defined above.

A. Abundance and Trends

    Various surveys have been completed for portions of the SI Hector's 
dolphin's range, each producing a separate, regional abundance estimate 
for the associated portion of the subspecies' range. (See Manning and 
Grantz (2016) for discussion of older surveys and abundance estimates.) 
The most recent abundance estimate for the west coast of the South 
Island (WCSI) is based on aerial surveys conducted by Mackenzie and 
Clement (2016) in 2014/2015 from Farewell Spit south to Milford Sound. 
These surveys included substantial effort in waters beyond 4 nmi (7.4 
km) from shore and included an ``outer'' survey zone between 12 nmi and 
20 nmi from shore (22.2-37.0 km, MacKenzie and Clement 2016). Based on 
these surveys, summer and winter abundance estimates of 5,490 dolphins 
(95% CI = 3,319-9,079) and 5,802 dolphins (95%

[[Page 64121]]

CI = 3,879-8,679), respectively, were estimated using mark-recapture 
distance sampling after correcting for availability bias (or how 
``available'' the dolphins are at or near the surface where they can be 
observed; Mackenzie and Clement 2016)). The most recent surveys of the 
north (NCSI) and east coasts (ECSI) of the South Island were conducted 
in the summer of 2012/2013 and winter 2013 and extended from Farewell 
Spit to Nugget Point and extended offshore to 20 nm (37.0 km; MacKenzie 
and Clement 2014). These intensive aerial surveys, which had a similar 
design as the WCSI surveys, produced an estimated summer abundance of 
9,728 dolphins (95 percent CI= 7,001-13,517) and an estimated winter 
abundance of 8,208 dolphins (95 percent CI = 4,888-13,785, MacKenzie 
and Clement 2014, Mackenzie and Clement 2016). The most recent surveys 
of the SCSI produced an abundance estimate of 238 dolphins (95 percent 
CI = 113-503, Clement et al. 2011, Mackenzie and Clement 2016). This 
abundance estimate was based on two aerial surveys completed in March 
and August 2010 from Puysegur Point to Nugget Point and extended out to 
the 100-m depth contour (Clement et al. 2011). Following completion of 
the last of these three regional survey efforts, Mackenzie and Clement 
(2016) re-analyzed the data and, using the sum of the averages of the 
summer and winter abundance estimates from these surveys, calculated a 
total population estimate of 14,849 SI Hector's dolphins (95% CI = 
11,923-18,492).
    Despite the large confidence intervals associated with some of 
these recent abundance estimates, the data indicate that the total 
abundance of SI Hector's dolphins is greater than commonly applied 
theoretical abundances used as indicators of a high risk of 
extinction--e.g., 2,500 total individuals (Allendorf et al. 1987) and 
1,000 mature individuals (Mace et al. 2008)--suggesting that SI 
Hector's dolphins are not at high risk of extinction due to abundance 
alone.
    Populations of SI Hector's dolphins have, however, experienced 
substantial declines and available information suggests that the 
subspecies is likely to continue declining (Slooten and Lad 1991, 
Slooten et al. 1992, Burkhart and Slooten 2003). SI Hector's dolphin 
populations are estimated to have experienced declines of 20-73 percent 
since the 1970s following the expansion of commercial gillnetting in 
New Zealand (Slooten 2007, Davies et al. 2008, Slooten and Dawson 
2010). Evidence of a historical decline is also provided by the 
findings of Pichler and Baker (2000), who detected a significant 
decline in mtDNA diversity (from h = 0.65 to h = 0.35, p<0.05) for ECSI 
Hector's dolphins in a comparison of contemporary (n=108) samples to 
historical samples (n=55) dating back to 1870. These authors suggest 
that the high rate of decline in mitochondrial DNA diversity reflects a 
high rate of population decline driven by unsustainable levels of 
bycatch mortality. While there is strong evidence that adult survival 
in the ECSI population has improved following the implementation of 
fishing restrictions at BPMMS (0.863 (95 percent CI = 0.647-0.971) pre-
sanctuary versus 0.917 (95 percent CI = 0.802-0.984) post-sanctuary), 
the improved survival rate still corresponds to an estimated decline of 
0.5 percent per year (Gormley et al. 2012). Results of modelling 
efforts by Slooten and Davies (2012) also suggest continued population 
declines over the next 50 years if fisheries management practices 
remain the same.
    Overall, this demographic factor was rated as posing a ``moderate 
risk'' for SI Hector's dolphins.

B. Population Growth

    Given an estimated lifespan of about 22 years, relatively late 
maturity (at 7-9 years), and low fecundity (0.165 to 0.25), Hector's 
dolphins are considered to have a low intrinsic population growth rate 
(Slooten 1991, Slooten and Lad 1991, Secchi and Fletcher 2004, Secchi 
et al. 2004b, Dawson 2009). Females may produce only four to seven 
calves over their lifetime. Estimates of the survival rate of SI 
Hector's dolphins >= 1 year old have ranged from 0.77 to 0.89 (Slooten 
and Lad 1991, Slooten et al. 1992, Slooten and Dawson 1994, Cameron et 
al. 1999). Based on simple Leslie matrix models, Slooten and Ladd 
(1991) estimated a maximum population growth rate of 0.018 to 0.049; 
whereas, Secchi and Fletcher (2004) estimated a much lower population 
growth rate of 0.0065. Projections of population growth, given 
estimated levels of human-caused mortality, have varied depending on 
the modelling approach and the study population, but results are 
generally consistent in indicating a continuing population decline 
(Slooten and Dawson 2010, Slooten and Davies 2012). Essentially, the 
available information indicates that population growth is too low to 
compensate for current mortality rates, and that mortality needs to be 
reduced in order to allow populations around the South Island to 
recover from past declines due to bycatch (Slooten 2013).
    This demographic factor was rated as posing a ``moderate risk'' for 
SI Hector's dolphins.

C. Population Structure and Connectivity

    Analyses of both mtDNA and microsatellite DNA indicate the 
existence of three distinct regional populations of SI Hector's 
dolphins--east, west, and south coast populations (Pichler et al. 1998, 
Pichler 2002, Hamner et al. 2012a). Each regional population is 
characterized by one or two high frequency mtDNA haplotypes, and 
hierarchical analyses of both mtDNA and microsatellite DNA data 
indicate strong genetic differentiation among the three regional 
populations (mtDNA FST = 0.321, p<0.001; Phi ST = 
0.395; microsatellite FST = 0.058, p<0.001; Hamner et al. 
2012a). There appears to be additional genetic structuring on the south 
coast, as samples from Te W[aelig]w[aelig] Bay and Toetoe Bay, 
locations separated by only about 100 km of coastline, were 
significantly differentiated based on both mtDNA (FST = 
0.136, p = 0.03) and microsatellite DNA (FST = 0.043, p = 
0.005). Fine-scale population structuring has also recently been 
detected in ECSI Hector's dolphins sampled from adjacent populations on 
either side of Kaikoura Canyon (Hamner et al. 2016). Analysis of both 
mtDNA (FST = 0.081, p<0.001) and microsatellite DNA 
(FST = 0.013, p<0.001) indicated a low but statistically 
significant level of genetic differentiation between these adjacent 
populations (Hamner et al. 2016).
    Estimated migration rates for males and females among the three 
main regional populations are low and appear to be asymmetrical 
(Pichler 2002, Hamner et al. 2012a). Based on mtDNA, Pichler (2002) 
estimated long-term migration rates of less than one female per 
generation among regions, except between the west and south coasts 
where female migration rates were estimated to be between 2.7 and 3.7 
female migrants per generation. Based on analyses of both mtDNA and 
microsatellite DNA, there also appears to be a low level of male-
mediated gene flow, with the highest exchange appearing to occur from 
the south coast to the east coast (Hamner et al. 2012a). Analysis of 
levels of genetic differentiation among sample locations within regions 
suggests a ``stepping-stone'' model of gene flow in which there are low 
levels of migration between neighboring populations over distances 
shorter than 100 km and much more limited gene flow among the three 
larger regional populations (Pichler 2002; Hamner et al. 2012a). Hamner 
et al. (2012a) concluded that very rare migration events are 
facilitating gene

[[Page 64122]]

flow across the roughly 100-370 km distances separating the three 
larger regions. Overall, these findings are consistent with a priori 
expectations of low gene flow over larger spatial scales given the 
small estimated home ranges (typically 30 km-60 km) and high degree of 
site fidelity observed in SI Hector's dolphins (Bejder and Dawson 2001, 
Br[auml]ger et al. 2002, Rayment et al. 2009a). Although longer-range 
movements (> 400 km) of SI Hector's dolphins do appear to occur, at 
least on occasion, there is as yet no indication that such movements 
are associated with mating (Hamner et al. 2012b, Hamner et al. 2014a).
    How the existing population structure and connectivity of SI 
Hector's dolphin populations influence extinction risk is unclear. The 
current distribution of SI Hector's dolphins as multiple populations 
with a low level of connectivity could potentially provide protection 
from local extirpation (for example, by a catastrophic event) while 
allowing for local adaptation, which could ultimately benefit long-term 
survival (Franklin 1980). Alternatively, restricted and asymmetrical 
dispersal among populations may mean there is very limited potential 
for one population to buffer against the loss of another local 
population and prevent further fragmentation (Pichler et al. 1998, 
Pichler 2001). The ongoing human-caused mortality and the slow 
population growth rate of SI Hector's dolphins are factors that favor 
this latter interpretation.
    Overall, this demographic factor was rated as posing a ``moderate 
risk'' to SI Hector's dolphins.

D. Genetic Diversity

    Relative to other abundant dolphin species, genetic diversity of SI 
Hector's dolphins is low (Pichler and Baker 2000; Pichler 2002). 
Pichler and Baker (2000) reported haplotype (h) and nucleotide ([pi]) 
diversity estimates of 0.35 and 0.0030, respectively, for ECSI Hector's 
dolphins (n = 46) and 0.66 and 0.0040 for WCSI Hector's dolphins (n = 
47), which are low compared to previously reported estimates for other, 
more abundant odontocetes (e.g., h = 0.70-0.92 and [pi] > 0.01). 
Diversity estimates based on mtDNA analyses by Hamner et al. (2012a) 
were somewhat higher for both the ECSI (h = 0.51, [pi] = 0.0039) and 
WCSI (h = 0.72, [pi] = 0.0049, n = 154) populations, possibly as a 
consequence of larger sample sizes, but they are still relatively low. 
The low genetic diversity observed may reflect restricted gene flow 
among populations and a consequent increase in genetic drift within 
populations.
    As noted above, analysis of mtDNA samples for ECSI Hector's 
dolphins by Pichler and Baker (2000) indicated a significant decline in 
mitochondrial diversity between historical samples from 1870-1987 (h = 
0.65 and [pi] = 0.0084, n = 36) and more contemporary samples from 
1988-1998 (h = 0.35 and [pi] = 0.0030, n = 46). A trend analysis of 
mtDNA diversity also indicated full loss of diversity within the next 
20 years (Pichler and Baker 2000).
    Guidelines commonly cited and applied in conservation biology are 
that, in a finite population and ignoring other ecological 
considerations, a minimum effective population size of at least 50 
individuals is required to prevent the harmful effects of inbreeding, 
and an effective population size of at least 500 individuals is 
required to prevent the accumulation of deleterious recessive alleles 
and maintain genetic diversity over hundreds of years (Franklin 1980, 
Soul[eacute] 1980, Gilpin and Soul[eacute] 1986, Allendorf et al. 
1987). Other theoretical analyses, however, suggests that these 
thresholds are too low and that well over 1,000 breeding adults per 
generation may instead be necessary to avoid extinction by ``mutational 
meltdown'' over time periods of 100 or more generations (Lynch et al. 
1995). Given that effective population size is often about \1/5\ to \1/
3\ of a population's total size (Frankham 1995), a conservative 
estimate of the effective population size for SI Hector's dolphins 
could be roughly estimated as 2,385 to 3,698 dolphins (calculated using 
\1/5\ of the 95 percent CI abundance estimates). Because these rough 
estimates are well above the thresholds of 50, 500, and 1,000 
associated with inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, and mutational 
meltdown, we conclude that the SI Hector's dolphin is not at high risk 
of extinction in the near-term due to its current genetic health.
    Given the evidence of low and potentially declining genetic 
diversity, this demographic factor was rated as being a ``moderate 
risk.''

Protective Efforts

    In addition to the regulatory measures discussed above (e.g. 
fishing and boating regulations, sanctuary designations), we considered 
other efforts being made to protect Hector's dolphins. We considered 
whether such protective efforts, as summarized below, alter our 
findings regarding the status of Maui's and Hector's dolphins.
    To help raise awareness and educate boaters about the regulations 
governing the operation of vessels around marine mammals, the DOC 
recently initated the `Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation 
and Tourism'--or SMART program. Commercial operators who participate in 
the training course through this program are labelled `SMART operators' 
and are promoted to tourists as such. A training course for 
recreational boaters is also available. While this proactive program 
has likely improved boater awareness and on-the-water behavior to some 
degree, we have no data to evaluate the extent to which boater-
associated impacts on Hector's dolphins have been reduced, and the 
available information indicates that dolphin-watching and `swim-with' 
activities are not benign activities even when conducted according to 
the existing regulations.
    To help minimize fisheries interactions and bycatch, some voluntary 
practices have been used in some areas around the South Island since 
2002. These measures include deployment of pingers and other 
modifications to fishing activities. However, the extent to which such 
voluntary measures are being implemented is unclear, and the efficacy 
of pingers in reducing bycatch of Hector's dolphins has not yet been 
clearly established (Dawson 1998, Stone et al. 2000b). The MPI also 
established a hotline for reporting violations of fishing restrictions; 
however, there are no data available to evaluate whether the hotline 
has contributed to improved enforcement or compliance with existing 
fishing regulations.
    Although these efforts may be providing measurable protection for 
Hector's dolphins, there is no indication that these efforts are 
ameliorating threats, particularly the threats of bycatch and disease, 
such that the extinction risk of either subspecies is reduced. 
Therefore, we conclude that these protective efforts do not alter the 
extinction risk for either Maui's or SI Hector's dolphins. We are not 
aware of any other conservation measures for these subspecies and are 
soliciting additional information on any relevant conservation efforts 
through the public comment process on this proposed rule (see Public 
Comments Solicited below).

Proposed Listing Determinations

    Maui's dolphins are currently at critically low abundance, and face 
additional demographic risks due to greatly reduced genetic diversity 
and a low population growth rate. Past declines, on the order of about 
90 percent, have been driven largely by bycatch in gillnets. Maui's 
dolphins continue to face threats of bycatch, disease, and mining and 
seismic disturbances; and available evidence suggests the population 
will continue to

[[Page 64123]]

decline despite existing management protections. We conclude that 
Maui's dolphin is currently facing a high risk of extinction throughout 
its range and is likely to become extinct. Therefore, we find that this 
subspecies meets the definition of an endangered species under the ESA. 
This conclusion is consistent with previous risk assessments for Maui's 
dolphin, which have concluded this subspecies is facing an extremely 
high risk of extinction in the wild and will recover only if sources of 
anthropogenic mortality are eliminated (Slooten et al. 2006; MFish and 
DOC 2007b, Baker et al. 2010). Concern over abundance and trends for 
Maui's dolphin has previously led to its classification as ``nationally 
critical'' under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, which is 
the most threatened status within this classification system (Baker et 
al. 2010).
    Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, the SI Hector's 
dolphin has been formally classified as ``nationally endangered,'' 
which is the second-most threatened status within this classification 
system (Baker et al. 2010). The qualifier ``conservation dependent'' is 
also applied to SI Hector's dolphins, meaning that the subspecies is 
likely to move to the higher category of ``nationally critical'' if 
current management were to cease (Townsend et al. 2008, Baker et al. 
2010).
    Our review of the best available data indicates that the SI 
Hector's dolphin has experienced substantial population declines since 
the 1970s, has relatively low genetic diversity, a low intrinsic 
population growth rate, and a fragmented population structure. Although 
historical data are lacking, Slooten (2007a) estimated that the SI 
Hector's dolphin population has declined by about 73 percent between 
1970 and 2007, and available population viability analyses indicate 
that the SI Hector's dolphin is likely to continue to decline unless 
bycatch mortality is reduced (Davies et al. 2008, Slooten and Davies 
2012, Slooten 2013). Gormley et al. (2012) estimated that the Banks 
Peninsula population, which has benefited from almost three decades of 
protection, would continue to decline at a rate of about 0.5 percent 
per year despite significantly improved survival rates. Assuming an 
existing population abundance of about 14,849 dolphins (95 percent CI = 
11,923-18,492), a constant rate of decline of 0.5 percent per year for 
the subspecies as a whole could result in a 50 percent decline in the 
population in about 138 years and an 80 percent decline in about 321 
years. These are simply estimates based on the limited data available, 
however, and they do not establish any specific thresholds for 
determining when the subspecies may be in danger of extinction 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The actual rate 
of decline of the subspecies remains unclear given the very limited 
bycatch mortality data available. A trend analysis based on survey data 
is also confounded by the fact that surveys have covered different 
portions of the range and have dramatically increased in sophistication 
and geographical scope over time. Thus, a precise analysis of the rate 
of decline and projection of time to extinction given multiple threats 
and demographic considerations is not currently possible.
    Current levels of bycatch are contributing to the decline of this 
subspecies (Slooten and Davies 2012). Additional, lesser threats, such 
as disease and tourism impacts, are likely exacerbating the rate of 
decline and thereby contributing to the overall extinction risk of this 
subspecies. Given recent abundance estimates for the total population 
and evidence of a slowed rate of decline following expanded fisheries 
management measures, we find that this subspecies is not facing an 
imminent risk of extinction. However, historical declines and the 
projected decline for most populations, combined with a low population 
growth rate, low genetic diversity, limited population connectivity, 
and the ongoing threats of bycatch, disease, and tourism, provide a 
strong indication that this subspecies is likely to become an 
endangered species within the foreseeable future assuming a status quo 
in conservation. We therefore propose to list this subspecies as 
threatened under the ESA.

Effects of Listing

    Conservation measures provided for species listed as endangered or 
threatened under the ESA include the development and implementation of 
recovery plans (16 U.S.C. 1533(f)); designation of critical habitat, if 
prudent and determinable (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(A)); a requirement that 
Federal agencies consult with NMFS under section 7 of the ESA to ensure 
their actions do not jeopardize the species or result in adverse 
modification or destruction of designated critical habitat (16 U.S.C. 
1536); and prohibitions on ``taking'' (16 U.S.C. 1538). The 
prohibitions on ``take,'' including export and import, automatically 
apply to species listed as endangered. Prohibitions on take do not 
apply to species listed as threatened unless protective regulations are 
issued under section 4(d) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1533(d)). In the case 
of threatened species, section 4(d) of the ESA leaves it to the 
Secretary's discretion whether, and to what extent, to extend take 
prohibitions to the species. Section 4(d) protective regulations may 
prohibit, with respect to threatened species, some or all of the acts 
which section 9(a) of the ESA prohibits with respect to endangered 
species. We are not proposing such regulations at this time but may 
consider potential protective regulations pursuant to section 4(d) for 
the SI Hector's dolphin in a future rulemaking.
    Recognition of the species' imperiled status through listing may 
also promote conservation actions by Federal and state agencies, 
foreign entities, private groups, and individuals.

Activities That Would Constitute a Violation of Section 9 of the ESA

    On July 1, 1994, NMFS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(USFWS) published a policy (59 FR 34272) that requires us to identify, 
to the maximum extent practicable at the time a species is listed, 
those activities that would or would not constitute a violation of 
section 9 of the ESA. The intent of this policy is to increase public 
awareness of the potential effects of species listings on proposed and 
ongoing activities.
    If the Maui's dolphin is listed as endangered, all of the 
prohibitions of section 9(a)(1) of the ESA will apply to this 
subspecies. Section 9(a)(1) includes prohibitions against the import, 
export, use in foreign commerce, and ``take'' of the listed species. 
These prohibitions apply to all persons subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States, including in the United States, its territorial sea, 
or on the high seas. Take is defined as ``to harass, harm, pursue, 
hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to 
engage in any such conduct.'' Activities that could result in a 
violation of section 9 prohibitions for Maui's dolphins include, but 
are not limited to, the following:
    (1) Delivering, receiving, carrying, transporting, or shipping in 
interstate or foreign commerce any individual or part, in the course of 
a commercial activity;
    (2) Selling or offering for sale in interstate commerce any part, 
except antique articles at least 100 years old; and
    (3) Importing or exporting Maui's dolphins or any parts of these 
dolphins.
    Whether a violation results from a particular activity is entirely 
dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each incident. Further, 
an activity not

[[Page 64124]]

listed here may in fact constitute a violation.

Section 7 Conference and Consultation Requirements

    Section 7(a)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) of the ESA and joint NMFS/
USFWS regulations require Federal agencies to consult with NMFS to 
ensure that activities they authorize, fund, or carry out are not 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or 
destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Section 7(a)(4) (16 
U.S.C. 1536(a)(4)) of the ESA and NMFS/USFWS regulations also require 
Federal agencies to confer with us on actions likely to jeopardize the 
continued existence of species proposed for listing, or that are likely 
to result in the destruction or adverse modification of proposed 
critical habitat of those species. It is unlikely that the listing of 
these subspecies under the ESA will increase the number of section 7 
consultations, because these subspecies occur outside of the United 
States and are unlikely to be affected by Federal actions.

Critical Habitat

    Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 
1532(5)) as: (1) The specific areas within the geographical area 
occupied by a species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the 
ESA, on which are found those physical or biological features (a) 
essential to the conservation of the species and (b) that may require 
special management considerations or protection; and (2) specific areas 
outside the geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is 
listed if such areas are determined to be essential for the 
conservation of the species. Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 
1533(a)(3)(A)) requires that, to the extent prudent and determinable, 
critical habitat be designated concurrently with the listing of a 
species. However, critical habitat cannot be designated in foreign 
countries or other areas outside U.S. jurisdiction (50 CFR 424.12(g)). 
Maui's and SI Hector's dolphins are endemic to New Zealand and do not 
occur within areas under U.S. jurisdiction. There is no basis to 
conclude that any unoccupied areas under U.S. jurisdiction are 
essential for the conservation of either subspecies. Therefore, we do 
not intend to propose any critical habitat designations for either 
subspecies.

Public Comments Solicited

    We must base our final listing determination on the best scientific 
and commercial data available. We cannot consider the economic effects 
of a listing determination. To help ensure that any final action 
resulting from this proposed rule will be accurate and based on the 
best available data, we are soliciting comments from the public, other 
concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, 
and any other interested parties on the draft status review report and 
proposed rule. See DATES and ADDRESSES for information on how to submit 
comments.
    Promulgation of any final regulation to list these subspecies will 
take into consideration the comments and any additional data we receive 
during the comment period, and this process may lead to a final 
regulation that differs from this proposal. We are especially seeking 
information regarding the following topics:
    (1) New or updated data regarding threats to Maui's and SI Hector's 
dolphins, especially bycatch rates in commercial and recreational 
fisheries, bycatch in fishing gear types other than gillnets, 
compliance with fishing regulations, and trends in disease prevalence;
    (2) New or updated population viability analyses that reflect the 
most recent abundance estimates for the subspecies;
    (3) Current or planned activities within the range of these 
subspecies and their possible impacts on these species; and,
    (4) Conservation efforts that are addressing threats to either 
subspecies.
    We request that all information be accompanied by: (1) Supporting 
documentation, such as maps, bibliographic references, or reprints of 
pertinent publications; and (2) the submitter's name, address, and any 
association, institution, or business that the person represents.

Peer Review

    In December 2004, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued 
a Final Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review establishing a 
minimum peer review standard. We solicited peer review comments on the 
draft status review report (Manning and Gantz 2016) from three 
scientists with expertise on Hector's dolphins. We received and 
reviewed comments from these scientists, and their comments are 
incorporated into the draft status review report and this proposed 
rule. Their comments on the status review are summarized in the peer 
review report and available at www.cio.noaa.gov/services_programs/prplans/PRsummaries.html.

References

    A complete list of the references used in this proposed rule is 
available upon request (see ADDRESSES).

Classification

National Environmental Policy Act

    Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the ESA restricts the information that may be 
considered when assessing species for listing and sets the basis upon 
which listing determinations must be made. Based on the requirements in 
section 4(b)(1)(A) of the ESA and the opinion in Pacific Legal 
Foundation v. Andrus, 675 F. 2d 825 (6th Cir. 1981), we have concluded 
that ESA listing actions are not subject to the environmental 
assessment requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA).

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Flexibility Act, and Paperwork 
Reduction Act

    As noted in the Conference Report on the 1982 amendments to the 
ESA, economic impacts cannot be considered when assessing the status of 
a species. Therefore, the economic analysis requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act are not applicable to the listing process.
    In addition, this proposed rule is exempt from review under 
Executive Order 12866. This proposed rule does not contain a 
collection-of-information requirement for the purposes of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    In accordance with E.O. 13132, we determined that this proposed 
rule does not have significant federalism effects and that a federalism 
assessment is not required. In keeping with the intent of the 
Administration and Congress to provide continuing and meaningful 
dialogue on issues of mutual state and Federal interest, this proposed 
rule will be given to the relevant governmental agencies in New 
Zealand, and they will be invited to comment. We will confer with the 
U.S. Department of State to ensure appropriate notice is given to New 
Zealand. As the process continues, we intend to continue engaging in 
informal and formal contact with the U.S. State Department, giving 
careful consideration to all written and oral comments received.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 223

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Transportation.

[[Page 64125]]

50 CFR Part 224

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, 
Transportation.

     Dated: September 13, 2016.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, we propose to amend 50 CFR 
parts 223 and 224 as follows:

PART 223--THREATENED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 223 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; subpart B, Sec.  223.201-202 
also issued under 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 5503(d) for 
Sec.  223.206(d)(9).

0
2. In Sec.  223.102, amend the table in paragraph (e) by adding an 
entry under ``Marine Mammals'' in alphabetical order, by common name, 
to read as follows:


Sec.  223.102  Enumeration of threatened marine and anadromous species.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Species \1\
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Citation(s) for listing
                                                                  Description of listed       determination(s)       Critical habitat      ESA rules
             Common name                    Scientific name               entity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Marine Mammals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dolphin, Hector's....................  Cephalorhynchus hectori   Entire subspecies......  [Federal Register                        NA                 NA
                                        hectori.                                           Citation and Date When
                                                                                           Published as a Final
                                                                                           Rule].
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Species includes taxonomic species, subspecies, distinct population segments (DPSs) (for a policy statement, see 61 FR 4722, February 7, 1996), and
  evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) (for a policy statement, see 56 FR 58612, November 20, 1991).

* * * * *

PART 224--ENDANGERED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES

0
3. The authority citation for part 224 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531-1543 and 16 U.S.C 1361 et seq.

0
4. In Sec.  224.101, amend the table in paragraph (h) by adding an 
entry under ``Marine Mammals'' in alphabetical order, by common name, 
to read as follows:


Sec.  224.101   Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous 
species.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Species \1\
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Citation(s) for listing
                                                                  Description of listed       determination(s)       Critical habitat      ESA rules
             Common name                    Scientific name               entity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Marine Mammals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Dolphin, Maui's......................  Cephalorhynchus hectori   Entire subspecies......  [Federal Register                        NA                 NA
                                        maui.                                              Citation and Date When
                                                                                           Published as a Final
                                                                                           Rule].
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Species includes taxonomic species, subspecies, distinct population segments (DPSs) (for a policy statement, see 61 FR 4722, February 7, 1996), and
  evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) (for a policy statement, see 56 FR 58612, November 20, 1991).

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-22451 Filed 9-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P