Sample Survey 2 - we can find dolphins consistently!

Following on from our successful flight in March, we carried out a second sample survey in April 2025, again using our new camera system and a small fixed-wing plane.

This time, we completed six parallel passes between Manukau Harbour and Port Waikato – and, on the way home, the aircraft continued with a one-way pass from Port Waikato to Raglan, helping us expand coverage even further.

The aircraft flew at an altitude of approximately 450m, with an average speed of 167km/h, collecting thousands of images across the day.

Māui dolphins found — again!

Our AI model detected Māui dolphins in 5 separate images, reinforcing what we saw in March — that even with only ~54 individuals estimated to remain, and a large search area, we’re able to detect them consistently using this method.

Each detection provides critical information on where Māui dolphins are spending time — and validates the use of fast, cost-effective aerial surveys as a key tool in monitoring this taonga species.