News

Aotearoa freshwater fish are in crisis, with 76% threatened or at risk of extinction. Species like tuna and īnanga rely on connected waterways to survive, yet barriers, habitat loss and degraded rivers are driving decline. Restoring river connectivity, protecting habitats, and supporting iwi-led solutions are critical to ensuring these taonga species can complete their lifecycles and thrive.

Minister urged to intervene over 146 marine mammal sanctuary deaths in just two years. Data obtained by the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) shows 146 marine mammals, including numerous Hector’s dolphins, Dusky dolphins, and seals, have been killed inside Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine mammal sanctuaries over the past two fishing years.

For Conservation Week, ESF General Manager Natalie Jessup was guest editor of the Sustainable Future newsletter from Newsroom Aotearoa.

After four decades of careful study, scientists have revealed that Hector’s dolphins, one of New Zealand’s most iconic taonga species, reproduce more slowly than previously understood.

The Endangered Species National Hui 2026 is inviting iwi, rangatahi, scientists and community leaders to Kirikiriroa Hamilton this September, and Co-Chair Tāwera Nikau says the timing is critical.

A new report confirms 89% percent of native freshwater fish species now threatened with extinction and our freshwater is at breaking point.

A national hui bringing together iwi, communities, scientists, creatives and advocates will take place in Kirikiriroa this September, responding to the accelerating crisis facing Aotearoa’s most endangered taonga species and their habitats. The Endangered Species National Hui 2026, hosted by Tāngaro Tuia te Ora – Endangered Species Foundation (ESF), will be held on 2–3 September at Wintec, Hamilton, and is focused on moving from collaboration and kōrero, through to collecti

New data from the 2024–25 fishing year shows 67 marine mammals were killed by commercial fishing vessels inside New Zealand’s marine mammal sanctuaries - areas created under law specifically for their protection.

The 2025-26 breeding season for tara iti/New Zealand fairy tern has delivered genuine cause for optimism, with 11 chicks fledging successfully despite a challenging summer of predation pressure, wild weather, and anxious moments.

Minister Shane Jones has proposed, massive, sweeping legislative changes to fisheries legislation, including removing minimum fish size limits for commercial fishers, impacting important, community sustaining species such as snapper and kingfish.

The Endangered Species Foundation (ESF) is devastated by the recent discovery of another Māui dolphin carcass on New Zealand’s coastline.

The recent Māui Dolphin Day 2026 at Whaingaroa Raglan, was an important opportunity to connect key groups and engage with hundreds of people to enable stronger dolphin protections and empower people to take action.

On Saturday 14 March 2026, in the presence of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, over a thousand people gathered at Ookapu Marae in Kaawhia for the 129th Poukai and the formal reopening of three new whare. Alongside the celebrations, the day also became an important moment for marine conservation, wi

As the seasons shift into Ngahuru (Autumn), it’s a good time to give a little attention to the drains and streams in your neighbourhood.

Strong public opinion shows we cannot wait to take stronger action for freshwater protections. With freshwater widely seen as poorly managed, and motivation high to restore whitebait populations, the survey signals a clear opportunity for better protections, increased investment, and visible restoration outcomes.

Hapū led mahi to restore Toreparu Wetland Restoration South of Karioi maunga with Ngāti Whakamarurangi

A case against the Fast-Track Approvals Amendment Bill to the Select Committee was presented by General Manager today, using McCallum Bros Ltd's proposed seabed mining operation as a stark example of the legislation's dangers.

This Christmas, Lesley is supporting the Awhi Awa | Embrace a Stream project by gifting the Tuna | Longfin eel pack to her niece.