Dolphins ‘chased’ around harbour
Wellington’s boaties have been accused of chasing and getting too close to dolphins swimming in the harbour.
The presence of a pod in the waters around Shelly Bay and Evans Bay on Saturday prompted onlookers, which in turn spurred criticism of those onlookers on a Facebook whale and dolphin watching page.
People posted on the page saying some dolphin watchers were getting too close, and even chasing the dolphins around the harbour.
Dolphin spotter Mark Gee took a picture of two people aboard a jet ski that was close behind a dolphin and appeared to be travelling fast enough to create a wake.
‘‘Rules say you can only travel at idle or ‘no wake’ speed when within 300m of dolphins, and these guys were clearly not doing that.’’
Gee had also heard reports of other boaties getting too close.
A Department of Conservation (DOC) spokeswoman said the complaints were not reported to the department’s hotline but people needed to be respectful of dolphins.
‘‘Dolphins can be injured or killed if they are hit by a boat or cut by a propeller, and boaties should definitely not be going at speed around them.’’
There could be calves swimming at this time of year, so extra care was needed, she said.
People should operate boats slowly and quietly at a ‘‘no wake’’ speed within 300m of dolphins. ‘‘Don’t approach a group of dolphins if three or more boats are already within 300m of the group.’’
People should also not touch dolphins, feed them, or create loud noises, she said.
‘‘Obviously, people enjoy their encounters but these need to be respectful and safe for the dolphins.’’
If people see inappropriate behaviour around dolphins or any other marine mammals, they can report it to DOC on 0800 362 468.