DoC speaks to skipper and boat owner after Coromandel seabird drowning reports

The Department of Conservation is investigating reports of seabirds drowning in a fishing net.

Two people are now helping investigators looking into reports of seabirds captured in fishing nets and drowned from a boat near Coromandel’s Slipper Island.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) made a public appeal for information yesterday after a reported incident, which allegedly happened about noon on Friday, January 3.

DoC principal investigation officer Hayden Loper said that since yesterday’s announcement DoC had made contact with a boat’s owner and skipper, who were now assisting with the investigation.

Loper would not provide further details, saying it could potentially compromise the investigation and any future prosecution.

“We will work to provide further updates once the investigation has been completed; we are grateful for the assistance of the public and media in this matter.”

DoC Hauraki operations manager Avi Holzapfel was dismayed by the report of harm to wildlife, saying: “It’s extremely frustrating and distressing to hear about this kind of wilful mistreatment of wildlife.

“We’re very grateful to the person who reported this to us for their continued assistance.”

Holzapfel said the department was keen to speak with people on two vessels seen in the area at the time, and any other members of the public who may have witnessed the incident.

“If anyone has more information they can provide about this incident, please contact the DoC hotline on 0800 362 468 or wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz, quoting CLE Incident CLE-8275.

“Many seabirds are classified as absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act 1953; hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife can result in penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.”