The Department of Conservation’s Waikato District Operations Manager Ray Scrimgeour says DOC was contacted by members of the public and news media after an Instagram account showed a boatie allegedly steering his craft close to a female tohorā/right whale accompanied by her calf.
The alleged incident occurred on Saturday 15 August, near Manu Bay. The footage has since been removed from the Instagram account.
Ray Scrimgeour says DOC is now investigating. A man has come forward and is cooperating with DOC.
Tohorā and other marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. It is an offence to harass or disturb a marine mammal. Offences can carry penalties of up to six months in prison, a court-imposed fine of up to $250,000, or an infringement notice of up to $800.
