An investigation has been launched after a woman was caught on camera throwing seaweed at a New Zealand fur seal on the Kaikōura Peninsula over the weekend.
The video, circulating widely on social media, shows a group of people at the popular seal colony appearing to harass the animal.
The behaviour in the video was "disappointing to see", said Department of Conservation south Marlborough operations manager Stacey Wrenn.
"It’s not acceptable to disturb our native species like this. The incident has been reported to DOC and we’ll be investigating."
Wrenn said kekeno were 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 had received several reports of visitors getting too close or disturbing seals this summer, she said.
"The wildlife and walking around Kaikōura Peninsula offers great naturing opportunities and it’s fantastic to see people getting out and enjoying it, but we ask visitors to enjoy watching wildlife from a distance."
Visitors were urged to stay at least 20 metres away from fur seals, avoid making loud noises or throwing objects, keep dogs and children well back, and never feed or touch the animals.
Those charged with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a seal faced a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000.
"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,” Wrenn said.
"If you see someone getting too close to a seal or other native animal, and feel comfortable doing so, politely let them know they need to back off a bit."
Anyone with relevant information on the incident was urged to contact 0800 DOC HOT.
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