News

24 April 2013 – for immediate release

CONSERVATION COALITION TURNS UP THE HEAT ON AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

Earthrace Conservation has joined forces with Bob Irwin and his new coalition once again in a campaign for greater protection of Australia’s wildlife.

The Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation has formed a coalition of animal welfare groups, including Earthrace, which is calling on the Australian government to introduce an immediate ban all hunting by anyone of any animal, land or marine based, listed as endangered or vulnerable.

EARTHRACE PROVES MARINE MAMMAL SANCTUARIES IN NEW ZEALAND ARE A JOKE
WORLD’S SMALLEST DOLPHINS REMAIN AT RISK OF EXTINCTION

Pete Bethune and Earthrace New Zealand recently received information about vessels fishing in a manner that is very likely to lead to already critically endangered Hector’s dolphins (endemic to South Island New Zealand) being killed in fishing nets in the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary.

Current estimates are that only around 1,000 of the dolphins remain in this area – between 7-10% of the total population remaining.

Raving bonkers New Year’s Eve parties threaten health of captive dolphins and sharks at uShaka Marine Park, South Africa

The events, featuring well known DJ’s and dance music, are planned for three separate areas of the park - one in a restaurant which has shark in tanks right next door to diners - and another within only 250 metres (820 feet) of the 11 captive dolphins held at the park.

27 September 2012

“I have never been more ashamed to be a kiwi”, said Pete Bethune, founder of Earthrace Conservation, on hearing that the Ministry for Primary Industries had pressured New Zealand’s Head of Delegation to the IUCN, Andrew Bignell, to go against a motion to increase protection for Maui’s dolphins at the recent World Conservation Congress.

New Zealand was the only delegation to vote against the motion, despite the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) classifying Maui’s as "Nationally Critical”.