The Department of Conservation says the whale was reported by fishers yesterday morning and was last seen between Lucky Point and Saddle Point in the afternoon.
Staff are working to assess the situation and determine ways to disentangle the mammal, Doc said in a statement this morning.
The whale appeared to be breathing comfortably and was not in immediate danger, giving responders time to assess the situation and determine the safest course of action.
Operations manager Rakiura Jennifer Ross is asking anyone who sees it to contact Doc on 0800 HOT (0800 362 468) immediately.
"No one should attempt to cut the whale free themselves as this is very dangerous. Boaties spotting the whale should stay well clear of it and avoid doing anything to disturb or harass the animal." she said.
“Disentangling marine mammals is highly specialised and dangerous work. Under no circumstances should members of the public attempt to disentangle the whale or interact with it."
People who have seen the whale were asked to provide as much location detail as possible, "including GPS coordinates, the time of the sighting, direction of travel and photos if they can be taken safely from a distance.”
Doc says southern right whale disentanglements were more complex than humpback whale entanglements, which are the type its responders encounter most often in New Zealand.
Their large size and different behaviour can add an extra layer of complexity and risk to any response operation.
A specialist whale disentanglement responder from Kaikōura was expected to arrive on Rakiura today to assist with the response.
If conditions allow and the whale can be safely approached, responders will look at attaching a satellite tracking buoy to help relocate and monitor the animal, Doc said.
Doc appreciated the assistance of fishers in reporting the whale.
- Allied Media
