Leading law, policy and science experts will gather in Wellington, New Zealand on November 19 to tackle the issue of how to reduce the levels of recreational and commercial fishing bycatch that are seriously threatening New Zealand's marine animal species.

"Protecting Marine Animals: A Law, Policy and Science Symposium" will be held at the University of Otago Wellington Stadium Centre. Participants in the public symposium will explore future options for enhancing the protection of marine animals in New Zealand fisheries waters.

Senior scientists from the University of Otago and the Department of Conservation will present recent research on the effects of fishing on marine animals, and existing bycatch law and policy will be examined. Dolphins, seals, sealions, albatross and petrels are just some of the marine species that are caught up in the New Zealand fishing industry's bycatch.

For Hector's and Maui's dolphins which are internationally recognised as endangered and critically endangered respectively, set nets are their number one threat.