The Department of Conservation monitoring the injured whale detected in the Bay of Islands

The southern humpback whale at Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands appears to be sick and injured. Photo/DOC

A southern humpback whale that appears to be unwell and injured has come to the attention of the Department of Conservation (DoC).

Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands DoC operations manager Bronwyn Bauer-Hunt said they have been monitoring the whale since Monday.

“The whale appears to be a juvenile that we believe may have been separated from its pod and is looking unwell and may still be dependent on other animals given its small size,” he said.

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The whale was last seen today at the southern end of Wairoa Bay, near Waitangi, heading towards Poraenui Point.

Bauer-Hunt said marine experts had advised the department that the best course of action now was to monitor the whale’s welfare.

“[…] Which we will continue to do with the help of coastal property owners and people’s reports, together with our team of water specialists.”

A close-up of the injuries of the southern humpback whale seen in the Bay of Islands. Photo/DOC

He said DoC had also joined with local iwi as they responded to the whale’s plight.

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The Bay of Islands was declared a marine mammal sanctuary under the Marine Mammal Protection Act 1978. This means that all marine mammals must have 300m of space, including the injured whale.

Bauer-Hunt said if you find your boat within 300m of any marine mammal in the water, you must stop your boat.

“You have to stand still until the marine mammals are more than 300 meters away. It is not a crime if your boat drifts while stationary. If you are within a marine mammal safe zone, your vessel must travel five knots or less, regardless of whether a marine mammal is visible.”

No one is allowed to enter the water within 300m of a marine mammal, including anyone diving, swimming and snorkelling.

The reminder comes as thousands of New Zealanders prepare for the summer holidays, a time when illegal activity in the country’s marine reserves is on the rise, according to the department.

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DoC senior director of regulatory assurance John Wallwork said people who don’t follow the rules pose a risk to New Zealand’s native sites and species.

Marine reserve offenses account for 40 per cent of offenses issued by the DoC.

The most frequent infringement in marine reserves is fishing, including the taking of kina and shellfish. Other offenses include littering marine reserves or removing materials such as sand, tiles or seaweed.

“While you’re out and about this summer, do your part by treating conservation areas and our native plant and animal species with respect,” Wallwork said.

“Follow the rules and report any illegal activity. Those who break conservation laws could face an offence, fine or prosecution.”