By ANNE BESTON
The cause of death of three large whales found washed up on Gt Barrier Island remains a mystery.
The female Bryde whales, ranging in size from 15m to just under 7m, had bruising in the neck area and damage to their vertebrae, leading Department of Conservation staff to suspect they may have been hit by a boat.
A yacht had reported hitting a whale and some dead whales were seen in Okupu Harbour before the beached carcasses were found.
"These whales are regular visitors to the Hauraki Gulf and vessels should be aware of the danger both to the whales and themselves," said DoC area manager Warren Geraghty.
After an autopsy the animals were buried on the island.
Meanwhile, a petition in support of whale sanctuaries was presented to Conservation Minister Sandra Lee yesterday.
The Greenpeace-organised petition attracted 104,000 signatures over five months and was a "boost to New Zealand's campaign for a South Pacific whale sanctuary," Ms Lee said.
New Zealand and Australia need the support of three-quarters of the 40 voting members of the International Whaling Commission to get approval for the sanctuary.
The proposal will be considered at the commission's annual meeting in Adelaide next month. Countries in support include Britain, Austria, the United States, Monaco and Italy.
Japan and Norway are expected to oppose the move.
Boats may have killed three Bryde whales
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