The Department of Conservation (DoC) is investigating after alarming footage showed two speedboats being driven through a pod of dolphins at Army Bay on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
The footage shows the dolphins fleeing as a boat charges through the pod three times, forcing the marine animals to dive to escape as they are chased and harassed.
Now, DoC would like to talk to two people photographed on board a boat named Bolero, about the incident.
The boat named Bolero (DOC)
They ask these people, or anyone who knows who they are, to call the DoC hotline at 0800 DOC HOT / 0800 362 468.
"We're asking for the public to help DoC with our investigation into this incident," says DoC Auckland Marine Ranger Dr Krista Hupman.
"I'd like to remind all vessel operators that you must adhere to the conditions governing behaviour around marine mammals as listed in the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations. That is, all boaties must ensure they travel no faster than 10 knots within 300 meters of any dolphins, orcas, whales, seals and sea lions.
"In addition vessels must only approach whales and dolphins from behind and to the side, and must not obstruct the animals path or cut through any group."
topVIEW Photography's Sam Kynman-Cole released the full version of the video to Newshub.
"I was surprised and disappointed that the boat went so fast through the pod. The driver would have been aware the pod was in the bay, and unless there was an emergency situation they could have driven slower or avoided the pod altogether," he told Newshub.
"From general experience with some powerboats in the past it would be nice to see a little more courtesy and respect out there on the water."
DoC encourages any member of the public that notices a marine mammal being harassed to contact DoC immediately.
The boat drivers could be charged with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a marine mammal. The punishment could be up to two years in jail or a fine of up to $250,000.
Newshub.
