Tauranga DOC are currently dealing with a possible whale stranding off Leisure Island.
Read more: Close encounter with whale at Mount
The whale is in shallow water near the island and DOC partnership manager Margaret Metcalfe said workers were unsure whether the whale was fully stranded or not.
It was not yet grounded but could easily get into trouble.
It is unknown whether this is related to whales spotted yesterday and today at Mount Maunganui.
Tauranga DOC workers are hoping to re-float it at high tide.
Bay of Plenty Police advised on facebook that DOC workers "have requested that boats stay out of the area as this causes further problems and safety issues".
"They are also requesting that if people go down to the area that they stay away from the whale as they are working to save the whale and re-float it on the high tide. although people are going down with good intentions they are getting in the way of the workers who have to take care of their own safety around a wild and distressed animal without having to also lookout for other members of the public who may think they are assisting but make the matter more dangerous for those dealing with the situation.
"Please stay back from the area that they are working. Police have already had to remove people from the area as they keep getting in the way of the work being done."