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.
