You can help sperm whale
If you find a stranded whale:
When boating in the vicinity of whales, common sense rules apply and regulations exist so as disturbance and danger are minimised. General rules are outlined below:
- Maintain a distance of 50 metres from whales; 200 metres if near a female with calves
- Operate your boat slowly and quietly at "no wake" speed
- If a whale approaches your boat, slow down and stop
- Manoeuvre your boat sensitively near whales. Do not obstruct their path, cut through a group or separate mothers from calves
- Avoid sudden noises that could startle the animals
- Co-operate with others so all may see the whales without putting them at risk
Ex-whalers who participated in a
whale survey
Aircraft should also maintain a safe distance of at least 150 metres from whales and should not fly directly overhead.
Keep their environment clean by carefully disposing of any rubbish in appropriate receptacle, plastic waste can be particularly hazardous when discarded near waterways or beaches.
If you see set nets being used within closed areas then contact the Ministry of Fisheries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224).
If you accidentally catch or harm a whale you have an obligation to report it as soon as possible to DOC or MFish.
Sightings of whales can be reported to the 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468). These are always of interest and help increase our knowledge of cetacean distribution and movements around New Zealand. Useful information includes species/description, location, number of individuals, estimated sizes, what they appeared to be doing and the direction in which they were headed.
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Contacts
To report whale or dolphin sightings or strandings phone the DOC HOTline 24 hour emergency number:
0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468)