Dolphin action attracts cameras and caution
A large pod of dolphins frolicking in Tasman Bay made for spectacular drone footage, but the encounter has prompted a warning from the Department of Conservation.
The footage was captured by a Mārahau resident’s drone, near the Abel Tasman National Park gateway.
The resident, who The Nelson Mail agreed not to name, said dolphin sightings were quite common in Tasman Bay.
‘‘It was a massive pod. They do come here quite regularly. Less than a month ago, there were orca in the bay.’’
He said that when the pod was spotted on Wednesday afternoon, it was ‘‘a beautiful day, and really clear’’.
His drone travelled more than three kilometres to reach the scene, where it captured 10 minutes of footage of leaping dolphins, while a jet ski with two people on it also filmed the pod.
‘‘I think they were having fun – they were certainly playing around with the jet ski.’’
However, Department of Conservation (DOC) staff had concerns over the footage.
DOC media and communications advisor Trish Grant said the jet ski and drone were operating too close to the marine mammals, identified as bottlenose dolphins.
She said the jet ski was ‘‘too close, going too fast, and cutting through the dolphins’’.
‘‘We ask that when people see dolphins, seals and whales, they treat them with respect while enjoying the encounter. Give them space, and follow the rules in place to protect marine mammals and avoid them being disturbed, alarmed or stressed.’’
Rules for boating or at sea near marine mammals include travelling no faster than idle or ‘‘no wake’’ speed within 300 metres; ensuring there are no more than three vessels within 300m, including any aircraft; approaching from a direction parallel and slightly to the rear of the animals; and not obstructing any paths, or cutting through groups.
Grant said flying drones near marine life could be ‘‘highly disturbing for them’’, and there were strict rules to follow, including flying no closer than 150m horizontally from a point directly above any marine mammal.
Other regulations include not making any sudden or repeated changes in speed or direction; taking off at least 100m from any marine mammal; and keeping at least 50m from any other drone.
It is an offence to disturb or harass marine mammals, punishable by fines.