Gatherings of female New Zealand sea lions along Otago's coast are not to be encouraged, it seems - unless they come of their own volition.
The idea of using "dummy" sea lions to attract more females to the mainland had been trialled in their main breeding ground in the Auckland Islands, Wellington-based scientist Dr Louise Chilvers said this week.
The aim was to find ways to help the threatened population diversify its breeding grounds, she said.
The idea captured the imagination of the country's media, with the Department of Conservation fielding many calls.
However, Doc's Coastal Otago office staff did not have any intention of encouraging more sea lions to their coast, although they were happy to manage those which came of their own volition.
Doc coastal Otago manager Robin Thomas said no formal proposal had been made to change that management strategy.
To do any different would be a major change in approach that would have many implications, he said.
Dr Chilvers said her research was concentrated on sea lions' feeding patterns and health, to help Doc manage the population on the mainland.
