Hector’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is a small, endangered marine mammal endemic to the coastal waters of New Zealand, recognized for its distinctive rounded dorsal fin and light grey coloration. Unlike commercially targeted fish species, Hector’s dolphins are not intentionally harvested; rather, they are threatened by bycatch—accidental entanglement in gillnets and trawl fisheries—primarily within New Zealand’s inshore fishing industry. New Zealand is the only country where Hector’s dolphins are found and, consequently, the only nation where their incidental capture occurs. The New Zealand government has implemented various protective measures, including fishing restrictions and marine sanctuaries, to mitigate bycatch and conserve this unique species, as their population remains highly vulnerable due to their limited range and low reproductive rate.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.