For the past six years, Doc has been gathering biopsy samples from southern right whales so research can be done to determine if populations in New Zealand and the subantarctic islands are similar or different.
Doc ranger Rick Ratcliff said a member of the public alerted Doc to the two adult whales' position about 100m from shore yesterday and the calm sea provided the opportunity to take photographs and do one biopsy.
"They were just lazing about in the sun. Rolling on their sides and generally cruising."
Doc marine ranger Jim Fyfe said during the winter southern right whales came closer to shore to mate and breed, and were often seen along Otago's coast.
In the summer, they moved out into the wider ocean.
There had been regular sightings off Otago's coast over the winter, with the first sighting in April and three in June, but this was the first time conditions allowed biopsies to be taken.
Seven southern right whales had been seen in Foveaux Strait this winter and it had been possible to take a biopsy from four, he said.
It was hoped to get enough samples by the end of the breeding season to complete the research.
