Having SailGP in Lyttleton Harbour is being likened to planning a motorcross event in Kiwi habitats. 

SailGP CEO Russell Coutts slammed the cancellation of Saturday’s racing after a dolphin was spotted on the course. He claims the species isn’t endangered and are smart enough to be aware of the boats around them.  

Chair of Māui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders Christine Rose tells Kerre Woodham they were concerns for dolphin safety before the event went ahead. Rose says at this time of year, the Hectors dolphins are particularly vulnerable due to calves being slower swimmers and more shallow divers.  

There has been an increase in probable boat strike deaths of dolphins in the harbour and noise and other disturbances can also impact their ability to socialise and feed. 

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