An investigation into the cause of death of 19 Kaikōura fur seals has found eight of the protected animals were shot.
Five adult seals were first found dead at Half Moon Bay near Kaikōura at the beginning of November. This was followed by the discovery of a further six dead seals at Ōhau Point.
Since then, another eight seals - one a pup - were found dead several hundred metres north of Half Moon Bay, prompting Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and Department of Conservation to issue another appeal for information to find the person who shot them.
DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager Phil Bradfield said in a statement although the cause of death hasn’t been able to be established for 11 of the seals, the fact the seals died grouped closely together gives cause for considering all the seal deaths suspicious.
“It’s disturbing and deeply disappointing to know someone has deliberately shot and killed at least eight fur seals.
“Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and DOC take very seriously any harm to fur seals which are a taonga and legally-protected species.
“We’re hoping people will come forward with information to help us find whoever is responsible for the heartless shooting of at least eight of the seals.”
The seals are believed to have died within the last month.
DOC is working with police to investigate the seal deaths and anyone who has information about it is asked to contact the DOC 24-hour number 0800 DOCHOT/0800 36 24 68 or Kaikōura Police via 105 and quote file number 211103/1981.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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