Maui's dolphins get extra protection from 26 December, but legal action will still be taken against the Government.
Maui's dolphins. Photo: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION / R M HAMNER
As few as 55 of the dolphins over the age of one are thought to exist.
An extended set-net fishing ban now covers 350 square km off the coast of Taranaki, at a distance of between two and seven nautical miles offshore.
There will also be mandatory observer coverage on boats fishing in that area; monitoring for which the Government is paying $400,000.
But the Nabu group says it will take legal action against the Government because the measures are weak and will not help.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith is not worried about a court case, saying the Government's decision is based on scientific evidence.
