Media Release: July 28, 2013

Sea Shepherd New Zealand offers $2000 reward for Sea Lion Killer

Global marine wildlife conservation organisation Sea Shepherd is offering a $2000 reward if information provided leads to a conviction for the killer of a New Zealand Sea Lion in Port Adventure, Stewart Island earlier this year in mid-June.

Sea Shepherd advocates for marine conservation to end the needless slaughter of wildlife in order to conserve, and protect, ecosystem and species survival for future generations. It is estimated that there are less than 38 breeding females in the New Zealand mainland after the mother sea lion was shot with a .22 rifle. By offering a reward for conviction, Sea Shepherd New Zealand hopes to bring a focus to protect and ensure the survival of one of the world’s rarest sea lion – which some estimate that the species could become functionally extinct by 2035.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists the New Zealand Sea Lion or whakahao (phocardos hookeri) as Vulnerable in status and New Zealand’s Classification lists them as Nationally Critical – the same status given to the Maui’s Dolphin and Kakapo. The New Zealand Sea Lion have been a protected species since 1893 and under the Marine Mammals Protection Act (1978), offenders face six months in jail or up to $250 000 in fines if caught killing or harming marine mammals.

Sea Shepherd New Zealand requests that all enquiries and information should be made by contacting local police or ringing 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

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