During ALERT LEVEL 4, it is important that you do not respond to a stranding if you hear of or discover one.
During ALERT LEVEL 4, the risk of community transmission of Covid-19 is at its highest. The Government has given strict guidelines as to the public’s actions and activities during this time.
The Department of Conservation has stated that the response to a live standing of whales or dolphins will be assessed on a case by case basis.
If you are made aware of a stranding of dead or live whales or dolphins,
IMMEDIATELY CALL:
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)
Or
PROJECT JONAH 0800 4 WHALE (0800 494 253)
Seals do not strand. They will come to land when not in the ocean and will return again after resting. If you discover a seal on the beach, please stay at least 20 metres away, keep dogs away and do not pass between the seal and the ocean. If you have concerns for the welfare of a seal, please call one of the numbers above.