A damning new study reveals systemic problems of illegal fishing, dumping, and underreporting in New Zealand’s fishing industry. As a major global buyer of New Zealand fish, McDonald’s has an opportunity to make a stand for sustainable, safe fishing practices.

The study shows that the amount of fish taken from NZ seas is 2.7 times greater than the number reported. Most disturbingly, the industry also covered up the capture of a Hector’s Dolphin, one of the world’s most endangered dolphin species.

McDonald’s sources 8% of fish from New Zealand hoki, and claims a Marine Stewardship Council sustainability label on its fish products in Europe. But the truth is if it continues sourcing fish from New Zealand, McDonald’s is supporting an unsustainable fishing industry tainted by illegal dumping, overfishing, and disregard of endangered dolphins.

Tell McDonald’s to use its influence to take a stand against irresponsible practices in New Zealand’s fishing industry.   

The study contains internal documents indicating the government was aware of abuses like the coverup of the capture of endangered dolphins. With only 50 known surviving Maui’s and Hector’s dolphins, the fishing industry’s irresponsibility could be a fatal blow to the species.

McDonald’s continues to claim a commitment to protecting marine wildlife, saying it trusts the Marine Stewardship Council’s appraisal of New Zealand hoki fish as sustainable. But when the government itself appears to be covering up unsustainable, illegal fishing practices, we need to force McDonald’s to take a closer look.

McDonald’s has the opportunity to take the moral high ground by dropping New Zealand fish from the menu. We need to come together to push McDonald’s to do the right thing, before it’s too late for New Zealand’s endangered dolphins.