DOC call to report sightings of entangled whale

The whale was reported to DOC by a fishing vessel crew that saw it at Knife and Steel Harbour between Big River and Waitutu River. It had what is thought to be craypot line wrapped around its pectoral fin and tail stock and trailing 20 to 30 metres behind it.

The whale is moving and could travel up the west or east coast of the South Island.

Anyone who sees the entangled whale should call DOC’s 24-hour hotline

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