The Department of Conservation is asking for people to lookout for a southern right whale entangled in a craypot line.
It was last seen yesterday afternoon off the Rakiura/Stewart Island coast between Lucky Point and Saddle Point, and was first reported by fishers yesterday morning.
DOC Operations Manager Rakiura Jennifer Ross is asking anyone who sees the whale to contact DOC immediately.
“If you sight the whale, please provide as much location detail as possible, including GPS coordinates, the time of the sighting, direction of travel, and photos if they can be taken safely from a distance.”
Ross said no one should attempt to cut the whale free as it is very dangerous.
“Disentangling marine mammals is highly specialised and dangerous work.
“Under no circumstances should members of the public attempt to disentangle the whale or interact with it.”
The whale appears to be breathing comfortably and does not seem to be in immediate danger, so responders are taking time to carefully assess the safest action.
A specialist whale disentanglement responder from Kaikōura is expected to arrive today to assist with the response.
DOC said southern right whale disentanglements tend to be more complex and risky than types it encounters most in New Zealand, due to their large size and different behaviour.
If the whale is located and conditions allow, responders will look at attaching a satellite tracking buoy to monitor and relocate the animal.
DOC said if someone spotted an entangled whale, it should not be approached, and they should contact 0800 DOC HOT.
SHARE ME