Anger as jetskiers chase dolphin pod
Locals have slammed the actions of jetskiers amid claims some got too close to a pod of dolphins in Wellington.
A pod of about 30 dolphins was spotted in the waters of the capital on Saturday, delighting spectators at Oriental Bay and Evans Bay.
Resident Mark Gee said dolphins often chased schools of fish around to Evans Bay and there were about 100 people gathered on the shoreline to see the pod.
The photographer, who works as a visual effects supervisor, took the chance to take a couple of snaps of the dolphins.
However, the pod was disrupted by a pair of young men on a jetski who “ploughed” through the group, he said.
“I was quite shocked to see them do that.” Gee said the pair chased the pod and kept circling them, adding he could hear the young men “yahooing”.
“They definitely split the pod up.”
He praised a nearby boatie who he believed “flagged them down and gave them a talking to”, after which the pair took off.
Wellington City Council spokeswoman Victoria Barton-Chapple said while it was great to see “wildlife flourishing in the reserves and sea”, it was also important to remind the public that dolphins were wild and needed to be treated as such.
“We recommend any incidents, where wildlife need a helping hand, to be reported to the Department of Conservation through the 0800 DOC HOT line, so trained experts can come to the rescue.”
The Herald has sought comment from DoC.
Seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act and it is an offence to harass, disturb, injure or kill them. Anyone charged faces a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000.