The Waikato’s boating community has been reminded to give marine animals a wide berth after footage emerged of a vessel appearing to collide with a Tohorā (whale) off the coast of Raglan.
The Department of Conservation’s (DoC) Waikato district operations manager, Ray Scrimgeour says DoC was contacted by concerned members of the public and news media after an Instagram account showed a boatie allegedly steering this craft close to a female whale, accompanied by her calf.
Scrimgeour says DoC is investigating and a man has come forward and is cooperating.
The incident reinforces the need for boaties to maintain a distance from marine animals.
“Tohorā are rare and incredible animals and we are lucky to have them in our waters. Getting too close can put their welfare at risk, particularly when they have a calf.
“Boaties should keep their vessels 50m from whales at all times. If it’s a mother whale with a calf, that distance should be 200m,” Scrimgeour said.
