The Department of Conservation (DOC) has praised the “genuine care and compassion” people showed after a mass whale stranding on a Northland beach yesterday afternoon.
Project Jonah, the Department of Conservation (DOC), police and local iwi Patuharakeke were called after 40 whales were stranded on Ruakākā Beach.
Most of them had refloated and swum out to sea last night, a DOC statement said — but three adults and one calf died.
“A DOC team returned to Ruakākā Beach near Whangārei early this morning, and there have been no reports or sightings of a restranding,” a spokesperson said this morning.
“DOC and local hapū, Patuharakeke, will remain on-site throughout the day to monitor the area for any further strandings.”
People were urged to “stay vigilant” along the Bream Bay coast and to report any whale sightings or potential strandings by calling 0800 DOC HOT.
“The effort on the beach last night was incredible, with everyone coming together for the whales,” said Joel Lauterbach, DOC’s Whangārei operations manager.
“It’s amazing to witness the genuine care and compassion people have shown toward these magnificent animals.
“This response demonstrates the deep connection we all share with our marine environment,” he added.
“Patuharakeke have led the on-ground response, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership, as well as the support from Project Jonah and the hundreds of members of the public who have assisted so far. Today, DOC will continue supporting Patuharakeke with the four deceased whales as required.”
DOC ranger Evan Davies told Breakfast at about 7.30am that groups out searching Ruakākā Beach this morning had “found nothing at this stage”.
“We’ll continue to monitor throughout the day,” he said. “Our main concern is around public safety and animal welfare.”
