A Department of Conservation investigation has been launched after a man on a jetski reportedly got too close to a humpback whale in Otago Harbour.<\/p>\n
Acting Senior Sergeant Iain Notman, of Dunedin, said the whale was spotted in the harbour on Tuesday afternoon, heading north.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Someone was on a jetski getting very close to it,\u2019\u2019 Acting Snr Sgt Notman said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Police attempted to get the attention of the person on the jetski, with no luck.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The jetski rider, a man, pulled back about 50m from the whale.<\/p>\n
The whale then moved off into deeper water.<\/p>\n
No arrests were made, Acting Snr Sgt Notman said.<\/p>\n
Doc Coastal Otago operations manager Gabe Davies confirmed they received a report of the incident and would be investigating.<\/p>\n
Humpback whales were an occasional visitor to Otago Harbour, particularly at this time of year as they made their long-distance migration north.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It\u2019s important people familiarise themselves with and follow the rules on how to appreciate them from a safe distance.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Along with dolphins, seals and New Zealand sea lions, all whales were protected under law and it was an offence to harass, disturb, injure or kill them, Mr Davies said.<\/p>\n
This meant keeping at least 50m away from them on the water \u2014 200m if they had a calf with them \u2014 and travelling no faster than wake speed within 300m.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The rules are in place to protect the animals and ensure the safety of members of the public too.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Offenders could face a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment or a maximum fine of $250,000, he said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We treat all reported incidents very seriously.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n