Over 1000 marine scientists and conservationists are converging on Dunedin today for the 20th Society for Marine Mammalogy conference, where the Maui's dolphin is expected to be a major focus.
The conference organisers say human activities at sea and in rivers are posing an increasing threat to marine mammals.
Earlier this year, the society wrote to Conservation Minister Nick Smith asking him to extend a netting ban to cover the entire range of the Maui's dolphin habitat.
Dr Smith announced in late November that the Government would extend a set-net fishing ban off the Taranaki coast, but the society says that is not enough to stop the species' decline.