New look at whales

Researchers recommending a freeze on Kaikoura's whale-watching industry do not think their failure to investigate recent whale deaths is a major flaw in their findings.

But they have agreed to examine information about the deaths after some Kaikoura residents criticised the apparent gap in their research.

A University of Otago team spent four years studying the effects of whale-watching on sperm whales off the Kaikoura coast to help the Department of Conservation decide whether to issue new whale-watch permits.

Only three companies have permits - Whale Watch Kaikoura, which offers trips by boat, and two providing plane or helicopter trips.

The department has taken no applications for new permits since 1998, while it awaited the research report. The moratorium expires on June 1.

The researchers found no evidence of whale-watching adversely affecting sperm whales, but say it could become a problem, and have recommended no increase in whale-watching activities.

DOC has called for public submissions before making a decision.

When the research findings were presented at a meeting in Kaikoura this week, locals asked why the issue of several dead sperm whales that had washed up around Kaikoura in recent years was not covered.

Gordon O'Callahan, who has sought a permit to set up a rival operation to Whale Watch Kaikoura, said he knew of 11 such incidents since 1993.

He had lived in Kaikoura all his life and only one dead whale had washed up in the 26 years before 1993. Other long-time residents backed him up, he said.

Mr O'Callahan believed there could be a link between the deaths and whale-watching activities, but said DOC had not investigated it.

DOC marine specialist Andrew Baxter said it was not clear whether there was anything unusual in the number of dead whales washing up around Kaikoura.

The issue had not been part of the survey because the researchers did not think it necessary to investigate.

In hindsight, it probably would have been a good idea to include those whale deaths in the study, he said. DOC was digging out information on the dead whales to pass on to the researchers.

The research team head, Steve Dawson, a senior lecturer at the university's department of marine science, said the deaths had not been studied because they were "not something you would logically attribute to the effects of whale-watching".

"Even if it's true that there's an increase in the number of whales washing up dead, who's to know why that's so?"

The researchers would look into the issue when DOC passed on its information.

"We have to be interested," Dr Dawson said.

"It behoves us all to understand it."

- NZPA

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