Auckland marinas want to be able to remove seals

Wednesday, 30 October 2019

Three more Auckland marinas want to be allowed to move seals off the premises using light, sound and as a last resort, a low pressure hose.

Empire Capital Limited, which owns Bayswater, Pine Harbour and Hobsonville marinas, has submitted an application to the Department of Conservation to be able to 'take' marine mammals for the purpose of management.

A trial began in August at Westhaven Marina in the centre city in a bid to deter Auckland's resident leopard seal, Owha, from causing problems and damaging property.

The marina is only a few months into the trial and is allowed to use a variety of non-aggresive techniques to encourage Owha to move on, if she is causing trouble. This includes the use of a hose - although it is a light spray that won't cause any harm to the seal.

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Owha has a track record of inquisitive behaviour, taking an interest in popping inflatables and destroying fenders. Owha was recently spotted resting on a pontoon after suffering a suspected gunshot wound.

Empire Capital Limited has applied for the same conditions as Westhaven marina - the ability to manage seals in and around its marina.

However, some experts have warned that disturbing wildlife could create an aggressive response from the animals.

LeopardSeals.org spokesperson Dr Krista Hupman says 'our instant reaction is to remove - we should encourage to co-exist.'

The marine biologist said there was a balance between keeping the seals from causing trouble and removing them. One suggestion was to provide enrichment items for the seals in an area that was more suitable for them - that way they would spend their time chewing on some old toys.

Hupman said wildlife was increasingly becoming common at marinas and even though deterring one seal might work, another could come back.

Moving a seal long term was also not an option, Hupman said, as the animals had swum here from the Antarctic, so moving them somewhere like Great Barrier Island would not deter them.

Hupman said the work DoC was doing to find the balance between marine safety and animal happiness was important.

According to the Department of Conservation, anyone who spots a seal such as Owha should:

• Stay at least 20m away

• Keep small children under control and at a safe distance

• Keep the dog on a short leash

• Avoid getting between the seal and the ocean

• Do not make loud noises or provoke the animal.