A humpback whale has died after becoming entangled in a crayfish pot buoy rope off the Northland coast, marking the first recorded fatality of its kind in New Zealand waters.
The incident is detailed in a Fisheries New Zealand report covering accidental captures of seabirds and protected marine species between July and September. While officials have not disclosed the precise timing or location, the death occurred in September and is understood to have happened off Northland’s east coast.
Fisheries New Zealand science and information director Simon Lawrence confirmed the whale’s death and said the fisher involved correctly reported the incident to both Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation.
Although fatal encounters between whales and cray pot gear are extremely rare, entanglements in buoy ropes and other fishing equipment occur more frequently.
The report highlights several recent whale entanglements that ended differently, including a humpback freed after 18 hours off Kaikōura in November and other incidents off Otago and Northland in recent years. It also documents wider impacts on marine life, including seabird bycatch, endangered sea lions and dolphins.
Lawrence said there is no evidence humpback populations are being harmed overall, noting their numbers appear to be increasing. He added that DOC and the rock lobster industry continue to promote safer gear practices and rapid reporting to reduce future risks.
Image credit: Oliver Tsappis
