A US court has ordered an immediate ban on New Zealand exports of several species of fish from two fisheries off the west coast of the North Island.
The preliminary ruling relates to a case by Sea Shepherd to protect the critically endangered Māui dolphin, which is only found in New Zealand.
The injunction applies to nine species of fish, including snapper, tarakihi and spotted dogfish.
The ban will remain in place until the United States finds New Zealand's regulations for the fisheries are comparable with American standards, or until the court case is fully resolved.
Sea Shepherd managing director Michael Lawry spoke to Guyon Espiner.
