After several recent orca pod sightings in Waikato, the Department of Conservation DoC is reminding people to respect the rules around interactions with marine mammals. DoC staff said it is likely the animals are feeding in the two harbours.
DoC marine species manager Malene Felsing said while it was great to see the marine mammals were bringing people a lot of joy, the department had received reports of people getting too close to the animals. The pod also includes calves, which are particularly susceptible to injury or disturbances such as being separated from their mothers. Orcas are apex predators. Their population in New Zealand waters is estimated to be between individuals.
Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, orcas are classified as nationally critical with disturbance by vessels, including recreational boats, being a threat to orcas due to noise pollution.
The maximum number of vessels allowed within m of orcas is three. Kayaks may raft together as one vessel; otherwise, they count as individual vessels too, DoC said. Anyone purposefully approaching them at a range closer than 50m, or in a way that disturbs them, is breaking the law and could face an infringement or prosecution.
All seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales are also protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act Do not circle the marine mammals, obstruct their path or cut through any groups. Sign In Subscribe. Felsing said this kind of behaviour could put people and the orcas at risk. Orcas can grow up to 9m in length, with male dorsal fins reaching higher than a metre.
