A southern right whale and her calf spotted off the Northland coast have made their way south, prompting the DOC to ask boaties to take extra care around marine wildlife when naturing on the water.
The pair spent the weekend off the Whangārei coast and were last seen in water off the coast of northern Auckland.
Ngāti Kororā and Ngāti Takapari hapū representatives are thrilled the pair were able to safely use the akau roa (shore/coastline) as nursery grounds and extend their gratitude to kaitiaki and the wider Pataua South, North and Ngunguru community for their help in monitoring the pair over the four days.
Local tohorā tohunga Hori Parata named the calf Te Pāpunui, after the culturally significant site in Pataua where the pair were first reported.
DOC Marine Technical Advisor Hannah Hendriks says seeing a mother and calf close to shore is a special experience, and people need to give them plenty of space.
“Southern right whales can spend time close to the coast, which gives people a wonderful opportunity to see them, but it also means they can encounter busy recreational boating areas.
“We are asking people to enjoy these whales from land rather than on the water and avoid advertising the animals’ live position so we can prevent unnecessary disturbance to these whales.
“The pair will have travelled up from the subantarctic islands and will need lots of rest, particularly the calf, as they prepare for a long migration to their feeding ground south of Australia. Interruptions to their natural behaviours could put them at risk.
“With spring here and more people getting out on the water, this is a timely reminder to keep a good lookout for whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife.
“Southern right whales are slow-moving whales, and may not be able to move out of the way of vessels in time to avoid being hit,
“Whales can be difficult to spot from a moving boat, particularly when they are resting or travelling slowly near the surface. Slowing down and giving them plenty of room is critical to prevent injury and disturbance, especially to calves,” Hannah says.
Boaties and jet ski users are asked to:
- Keep a careful lookout for wildlife in the water.
- Slow down to idle or wake speed when marine mammals are nearby.
- Keep at least 50 metres away from whales but 200 m from large whales with a calf.
- Never block or cut across an animal’s path.
- Take particular care around a mother and calf and avoid separating them.
- Consider installing propeller guards to increase the safety of people and wildlife.
- Keep drones 150 m away from marine mammals.
DOC is interested in receiving reports of sightings of the pair via the SeaSpotter app or our website, which can help track their movements.
Anyone who accidentally injures or kills a protected marine species must report it to DOC as soon as possible by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
Background information
Southern right whales have a seasonal onshore-offshore migration. Over summer they head offshore to areas south of Australia to feed. During the breeding season in winter and spring, the whales are mostly found in the waters around the subantarctic islands, this is when some whales venture north around the New Zealand mainland (learn more at: https://tohoravoyages.ac.nz/). They have been recorded visiting virtually every region of the mainland.
Southern right whales historically bred around New Zealand in sheltered inshore areas but were hunted to near extinction in the early 19th century. Their population is now recovering steadily and we hope that they continue to return to New Zealand waters.
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