Reports of visitors getting too close to kekeno/New Zealand fur seals on Kaikōura Peninsula has DOC calling for people to give native species the space they need when visiting our coastlines.
Department of Conservation (DOC) South Marlborough Operations Manager Stacey Wrenn say the wildlife and walking around Kaikōura Peninsula offers great naturing opportunities and it's fantastic to see people getting out and enjoying it, but visitors need to treat our native species with respect.
"We've had reports of people getting far too close to seals, and even a report of people trying to kick or poke fur seals to try and get a photo, which we are investigating. This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable.
"Kekeno are a taonga species for local iwi Ngāti Kuri and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Like all our marine mammals, they are a protected species. It's an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill them."
DOC's guidelines for watching seals are:
- Stay at least 20 m away
- Don't disturb seals by making loud noises or throwing things
- Keep dogs and children away
- Don't feed the seals
- Never attempt to touch a seal.
These guidelines are for the safety of both seals and people, Stacey says.
"Disturbing or changing the natural behaviour of a seal can have negative consequences for the animal. At this time of year, mothers can even abandon pups if they are disturbed.
"While fur seals aren't typically aggressive, they are a wild animal and can react if they feel threatened. They have a nasty bite and carry infectious diseases which can be transferred to people and dogs.
"If you see someone getting too close to a seal or other native animal, politely let them know they need to back off a bit. If they, or their dog, are harassing the animal, call the DOC hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). Any photos or video you can safely take are very helpful."
Stacey says Kaikōura is a stronghold for seals, but the local colonies have had a tough few years.
"In 2024, we found a new strain of canine distemper virus in the Kaikōura fur seal population, which has been linked to disease and mortality because it causes respiratory illness and supresses immune systems. In spring of the year before, many fur seals died of starvation due to low food availability.
"Researchers have fitted satellite trackers and dive data collectors to eight female Kaikōura fur seals with pups this season so we can understand what they do when out in the oceans and where and when they're feeding."
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