Two people are assisting the Department of Conservation after a report of seabirds being captured and drowned in fishing nets near Coromandel’s Slipper Island/ Whakahau.
A concerned member of the public reported the incident to DOC around noon on January 3.
DOC Hauraki Operations Manager Avi Holzapfel said he was dismayed by the report of harm to wildlife.
“It’s extremely frustrating and distressing to hear about this kind of wilful mistreatment of wildlife,” he said.
“So far, we have images of the vessel alleged to be involved, and have made inquiries with local marinas and databases to identify its owner.”
Principal investigation officer Hayden Loper said DOC has made contact with the owner and skipper of a boat they were earlier seeking information about.
The pair were assisting with the investigation.
Many seabirds were classified as absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act 1953. Hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife could result in penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
Anyone with information was urged to contact the DOC hotline on 0800 362 468.