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A Department of Conservation investigation has been launched after a man on a jetski reportedly got too close to a humpback whale in Otago Harbour.
Acting Senior Sergeant Iain Notman, of Dunedin, said the whale was spotted in the harbour on Tuesday afternoon, heading north.
‘‘Someone was on a jetski getting very close to it,’’ Acting Snr Sgt Notman said.
‘‘Police attempted to get the attention of the person on the jetski, with no luck.’’
The jetski rider, a man, pulled back about 50m from the whale.
The whale then moved off into deeper water.
No arrests were made, Acting Snr Sgt Notman said.
Doc Coastal Otago operations manager Gabe Davies confirmed they received a report of the incident and would be investigating.
Humpback whales were an occasional visitor to Otago Harbour, particularly at this time of year as they made their long-distance migration north.
‘‘It’s important people familiarise themselves with and follow the rules on how to appreciate them from a safe distance.’’
Along with dolphins, seals and New Zealand sea lions, all whales were protected under law and it was an offence to harass, disturb, injure or kill them, Mr Davies said.
This meant keeping at least 50m away from them on the water — 200m if they had a calf with them — and travelling no faster than wake speed within 300m.
‘‘The rules are in place to protect the animals and ensure the safety of members of the public too.’’
Offenders could face a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment or a maximum fine of $250,000, he said.
‘‘We treat all reported incidents very seriously.’’