29 October 2014

Humpback whale washed up on Waikanae Beach

A 10 metre whale has washed up on Waikanae Beach, south of Waikanae Boat Club.

DOC is working with local iwi Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai to ensure tikanga is followed in management of the whale on the beach, and during the burial process.

Brent Tandy, DOC Senior Ranger, confirmed it is a humpback whale, “It is approximately 10 meters long, and estimated at 20-30 tonnes.”

“The cause of death is unknown, but it is possible we can identify which whale this is from markings on the fluke. We would do this using a national database of DOC sightings of humpback whales. The smaller size of the whale suggests it is not fully mature,” said Mr Tandy.

The whale appears to have been dead for some time, and public are being advised to keep a safe distance from the whale for health reasons.

DOC Partnership Manager Paul McArthur said “It is sad when a whale dies, but it does provide people with an opportunity to learn more about these magnificent creatures. We just ask that people work with us to respect the body of the whale, and to ensure the safety of people on the beach.”

Due to tide and weather conditions, DOC and Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai are planning to bury the whale at a site on the Kapiti Coast early tomorrow morning.

Background information
Humpback whales are frequently visit New Zealand coasts when they migrate between feeding grounds in Antarctica, and winter calving and breeding grounds in warmer waters. They travel mainly along the east-coast and Cook Strait during winter, and return along the west-coast during spring.

Humpbacks are baleen feeders with a generalised diet, including krill and small schooling fish (e.g. mackerel and herring). They show the most diverse feeding techniques of all baleen whales, including lunging through patches of prey, stunning prey with their flippers, and forming "bubble-nets".

In the Southern hemisphere, commercial whaling in the 1900s brought humpbacks close to extinction. Most populations now appear to be recovering, but they are still known to die from entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with ships.

The Department of Conservation has been undertaking whale surveys in Cook Strait annually since 2004 to determine the present status and level of recovery of humpback whales in New Zealand waters. It also sheds light on the migratory pathways and destinations of these whales. This information will be used for management of these whales and further their protection in the Southern hemisphere. This is the only project of its kind in New Zealand waters.

For more information see www.doc.govt.nz

Exactly 110 years ago, on 29 October 1904, a 54ft ‘Wright’ whale washed up on Waikane Beach, discovered by Wi Parata. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=WDT19041103.2.22.18

ENDS

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