A Hector’s dolphin died died in a ‘recreational’ (non-commercial) gillnet during the Easter weekend. Gillnets are allowed to be used in Akaroa Harbour from 1 April to 1 November every year. Research published in 2013 shows that Hector’s dolphins are actually still in the harbour at that time of year and allowing gillnets to be used is an accident waiting to happen. The accident has happened now, so we hope that the Minister of Conservation will close this conservation loophole.