The public are being asked to report sightings of southern right whales so the Department of Conservation can complete its research into the genetic code of the nationally endangered whale.
Only a handful of biopsy samples are needed to complete the research and it was hoped Doc would get enough this year to add to the 22 it had collected in the past six years, Doc marine mammal officer Steve Smith said.
"We're racing against time to solve this mystery so the quicker we can get the 30 unique samples we need, the better."
The research would show if there were genetic similarities or differences between southern right whale populations in New Zealand and the sub-Antarctic islands.
A sighting of 10 whales in Te Waewae Bay, Southland, last month, by a helicopter pilot gave Doc an opportunity to collect five samples.
Southern right whales, which average 15m in length and are mostly black with white growths on their heads, spend a large portion of their winter breeding months, June to September, very close to the shore in sheltered waters.
Sightings of the whales should be reported to Doc on 0800 362 468.