DOC staff have issued a plea to communities to leave wildlife alone after members of the public moved a dead orca found floating against Oamaru Harbour's breakwater last Friday (12 December), ignoring advice they had received from rangers.
The actions of the members of the public have prompted DOC's Dunedin/Ōtepoti Operations Manager Gabe Davies to remind people of the potential consequences for interfering with protected species - dead or alive. People can face a prosecution, or a $600 infringement notice.
"We were made aware of the dead orca just outside the harbour and our staff were working with Te Rūnunga o Moeraki to respectfully manage the situation. We had a conversation with a member of the public and advised them not to interfere," he says.
The dead orca was not causing any issues or risk to public safety, and Gabe says DOC staff were working through a considered plan to determine the most appropriate course of action.
"Next thing we know, it's being towed into the harbour, watched by concerned members of the public."
DOC staff gave clear advice to leave the whale undisturbed, but this was disregarded.
"It is important for the public to allow the appropriate agencies to manage these situations in a way that respects cultural values and ensures health and safety of those involved," Gabe says.
"We want to remind people in situations like this they should ring 0800 DOC HOT."
Gabe says there many risks involved with managing marine mammals if people take matters into their own hands.
"There are many potential issues, including the risk of several zoonotic diseases - infectious diseases naturally transmitted between animals and humans - that are harmful."
Gabe says after closer inspection of the orca, it's likely it may have died due to birthing complications. He says it's very disappointing a breeding age female (and potentially calf) have been lost from the population. Measurements and samples have been sent to Massey University for investigation so hopefully this will provide some insight into what happened. The whale has since been respectfully buried in partnership with mana whenua.
"We have really good relationships with fishers and boaties - and coming into summer we want to remind everyone of the rules around the coastline. We love seeing people out 'naturing' on the water and want to ensure everyone respects the incredibly special species we have here," he says.
DOC's compliance team is currently investigating the incident.
