Boaties harass pod of orca in Northland, DOC investigating

Saturday, 18 January 2020

The boaties followed the pod and drove over the top of them several times.

A group of boaties filmed harassing a pod of orca whales in Northland has prompted a Department of Conservation investigation.

DOC is seeking the identities of a paddle boarder and about seven people on board two boats in Ngawai Bay, near Helena Bay on January 4, after drone footage posted to Facebook showed the vessels in close proximity of the whales.

The boats traveled between the pod - made up of four orca, including a calf - at speed, following them, and at several points going over the top of one.

It is a breach under the New Zealand Marine Mammal Regulations to harass orca whales by obstructing the path of the pod or individual and to go within 50 metres of them at a speed of more than five knots.

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Boats must not go within 50 metres of orca, according to the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations.

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The use of drones is also forbidden within 600 metres in the water or 150 metres altitude from the whales, unless a permit is held.

DOC senior ranger and marine mammals officer Dr Cat Peters was concerned the boaties were driving in a way that was 'very unpredictable' for orca.

'It's that kind of behaviour that takes the choice away from the orca.'

She said the boaties were putting the whales at risk of propeller strike, which could cause serious wounds and result in death.

The harassment could have a long term impact on the whales, as the boaties were disturbing critical behaviour important for their survival.

'They're actively having to adapt to the boats. That's an indication that something is happening [to cause distress],' Peters said.

If a marine mammal approaches, DOC recommended boaties cut their engine and quietly allow them to pass.

'Enjoy it, but give the whales space. Just err on the side of caution,' Dr Peters said.

Prosecution was an option in this case, she said, and marine mammal officers would treat the actions of the boaties 'very seriously'.

Anyone charged with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a marine animal could be fined a maximum of $250,000 or jailed for up to two years.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to phone 0800 DOC HOT (362 468).