Small Dolphin, Large Impact
You might be wondering how the smallest dolphin in the world, who happens to be a Red list endangered species, generates massive social and economic value for New Zealand and the people who live there?
More than a Mammal
Although the smallest dolphins in the world are valuable to the New Zealand tourism industry, they also play a role of cultural importance for the Maori, the aboriginal people of the area. For them, the Hector’s Dolphin is known as Pahu, which translated means lifelong friend (Taylor & Currey, 2005). These majestic creatures should be known as the icon of New Zealand according to the tribe. When a member of the Maori passed away their spirit would return to the sea, and they believed that the dolphins were the reincarnation of their ancestors(Taylor & Currey, 2005). Image how devastating it would be for the Maori if these incredibly important animals were to disappear from the face of this planet. Overall Hector’s dolphin has both cultural/social, as well as economic importance to the people living in New Zealand.
Hector's Dolphin peaking out of the water
Courtesy of Arkive
“It is true what you say about the dolphin, they are our (Ngati Wai) tribal guardians and as such we have always had a close and spiritual connection with them. They are our tribal protectors on the moana (sea) and our people have a special ability to speak with them, so naturally we too are very concerned.” - Deirdre Nehua, Maori Poet, Activist and Seer
How can your vacation save a dolphin?
The biggest export industry of foreign spending in New Zealand is tourism with about 7.5 % of the population is directly employed, which means that about 188,136 people now have jobs directly or indirectly from these fun-sized dolphins (Tourism New Zealand,2017). When Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is concerned, tourism directly adds 12.9 billion dollars, and indirectly adds 9.8 billion, resulting in 5.6%, as well as, 4.3% of the total GDP of New Zealand (Tourism New Zealand,2017). Tourists also benefit the New Zealand economy by creating 2.8 billion dollars in goods and services tax earnings(Tourism New Zealand,2017). Observing and swimming with these adorable marine mammals major example of the ecotourism happen in New Zealand with about 31 commercial boat trips happening each day in a long various location off the west coast of North Island and just off the South Island, like Akaroa Harbour(Lees, 2014). Without these cuties, boats like this wouldn’t be taking people out on tours, educating them, as well as, creating jobs.
Hector's Dolphin swimming
Courtesy of Arkive