A volunteer organisation is condemning the Department of Conservation's efforts to expel seven orca from the shallow Pāuatahanui Inlet of the Porirua Harbour, saying current evidence suggests herding is not in the "best interests" of the pod
In a bid to prevent a stranding, the Department of Conservation (DOC) had tried to usher the orca out of the inlet and back out to sea on Tuesday. Four boats and 13 people attempted to shepherd the pod towards the opening, but had little success. A charter boat was situated at the mouth of the Porirua Arm to deter the orca from entering shallow water.
After three hours, the mission was abandoned for the day.
In a statement to Newshub on Wednesday, DOC marine species manager Ian Angus said the department remains concerned for the pod's welfare.
"We remain concerned for the pod given the time they have been in the inlet, and that at each low tide there is a risk one or more of the pod may strand."
But Dr Ingrid Visser, an expert on orca and the co-founder of Whale Rescue - a volunteer-run organisation that specialises in the rescue of whales and dolphins - said she sees no reason to disturb the pod.
"I believe that this is not in their best interests based on current evidence," Dr Visser said in a statement on Wednesday.
Whale Rescue has been collating crucial data on the orca from their network of local residents who live around Porirua Harbour. Dr Visser says that from their observations, there is not enough evidence to suggest the pod is in any imminent danger.
"These orca are part of the New Zealand coastal population who typically frequent shallow harbours. They are currently behaving within normal parameters and have been observed feeding on rays whilst in the harbour. We have documentation of this occurring every day they have been inside the Inlet, as well as observations of them sleeping," Dr Visser said.
She noted that an adult male that stranded on Friday, August 27 had managed to free himself and rejoin his pod. She says video footage shows his drooping dorsal fin - a sign often associated with poor health in an orca - appears slightly improved.
"From the video today we are able to see that his dorsal fin shows less evidence of drooping… although we have concerns for this male, he appears to be on the road to recovery and disturbing him by chasing him is not good for his welfare," she said.
With fewer than 200 individuals living around New Zealand, the orca in the inlet represents 4 percent of the population.
"So it is vital we keep them safe," Dr Visser said.
Angus confirmed to Newshub that no further attempts to shepherd the orca out of the inlet would be made on Wednesday, and decisions regarding the department's next steps would be made once new information and the wellbeing of the pod had been assessed.
"The orca pod is still in Pāuatahanui Inlet. DOC staff are continuing to monitor the orca, weather and tide as we daily assess what might be the best course of action," Angus said.
He said Tuesday's gentle attempts at herding the pod out of the inlet demonstrated the orca are having difficulty finding their way back out to sea, possibly due to the shallowness of the water.
"The tidal range within the inlet has been decreasing. The tidal forecast shows from Thursday the tidal range will increase, with high tides getting higher and the low tides getting lower. A higher tide makes it more likely the orca may be able to exit the inlet," Angus said.
"DOC staff, Ngāti Toa and Project Jonah are reassessing the inlet to see what channels may or may not be available to the orca… We are also using a drone to get footage of the orca to help assess their condition, movement and numbers today.
"Our decisions remain focused on doing what is best for the orca, and ensuring we have a contingency plan in place should an orca strand. This remains a complex, challenging operation. The team working on a solution greatly appreciates the engagement and encouragement people have expressed."
Angus confirmed that decisions have been made on the advice from marine mammal specialists, as well as advice from Project Jonah staff and medics, who are experienced in working with stranded marine mammals. The plan to shepherd the orcas was also made in line with the advice of international experts, he said, such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
"We have had contact with Ingrid Visser of the Orca Research Trust and her advice has been taken into account."
Kayakers are asked to avoid the inlet and Porirua Harbour on Wednesday so as not to disturb the orca.
