A whale has been reported to be entangled in fishing gear at the top of the South Island today.
Volunteer marine mammal protection organisation Project Jonah said it had received reports of a whale entangled in fishing gear in the western Tasman Bay on Sunday.
“[The] Department of Conservation‘s disentanglement team are ready to respond to free the whale, once it is located.”
The post also warned people not to approach the whale or attempt to free it.
“The whale is likely very stressed and could respond aggressively.”
DOC Golden Bay District supervisor Amanda Harvey said the department was working with Project Jonah to locate the entangled whale.
“We’re also asking the community to keep an eye out, and if anyone spots a whale in distress, please contact 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately.”
