It comes as the mainland has experienced another busy season of sea lion breeding: 25 pups were born, a shade below last year’s record of 31.
This has led to increased sea lion activity near places such as Hoopers Inlet, and Dunedin resident Nicole Bezemer wants the council to do more to protect sea lions.
She had been particularly concerned after spotting sea lion Mahira and her female pup in the road near Hoopers Inlet.
"For several weeks, they have been using an area across the narrow gravel road from the water, on a blind corner.
"Unfortunately, their resting place was around 100m out of the temporary 30km zone that had been put in place to protect sea lions in the vicinity of Hoopers Inlet."
She suggested there was a way to reduce the risk.
"The solution regarding the road signage is simple: moving the start of the 30km zone by around 200m, back towards Hoopers Hall, will mean that Mahira and pup are included in the 30km zone.
"Having a large marine mammal on a blind corner in a 70km zone is an urgently dangerous situation."
She had contacted the Dunedin City Council and the Department of Conservation, but so far had not received a response.
"It is clear that Doc and DCC are unable to communicate effectively to achieve simple measures to help protect sea lions. Both parties consistently blame the other."
She was a sea lion "fan" after two pups were born at her home near Smails Beach.
"I just think they’re very special animals with individual personalities, and I want to see them protected from speeding vehicles.
"I think there needs to be better or more permanent signage."
She also wanted more support for "on the ground" staff, who had been "constantly let down by poor management and lack of support from managers".
"Having had numerous interactions with the Doc and DCC summer rangers, on every occasion they demonstrated a professional and passionate approach to their job."
Doc Otago operations manager Gabe Davies said they appreciated the public’s concern for sea lions.
"We’re grateful to those who report sightings or risks — this information is vital in helping us protect this endangered species."
Doc worked closely with the DCC to manage public safety and reduce risks to sea lions around beaches and roads.
Measures included temporary road signs, public information through DCC and Doc channels, and access restrictions where necessary.
"In this case, we became aware of a sea lion mother and pup using a stretch of road at Hoopers Inlet that they haven’t typically occupied in the past.
"In response, Doc contacted the council’s roading team, who moved temporary signage to include the area where the sea lions were resting.
"We understand the frustration expressed in this case and will continue to work with the council to improve response times and ensure appropriate measures are in place."
