University of Otago research found that the heavy squid fishery industry around the Auckland Islands has more than likely impacted on the population of New Zealand Sea Lions that breed in the area.
Since 1998 and 2009 there has been a decline of 40% in pups produced in Auckland Islands. Campbell Islands does not have a fishery, and has seen an increase in pups.
“We can now say, of all the potential causes, the most likely are human impacts associated with squid fishing around the Auckland Islands,” said Lead Research Dr Bruce Robertson.
Read more at University of Otago