Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Rescued fur seal found dead at Houghton Bay
Date: 29 June 2011
Rescued fur seal found dead at
Houghton Bay, Wellington
A young New Zealand fur seal, rescued
from a piece of fishing net last week by Department of
Conservation staff, was found dead on Monday at Houghton
Bay.
“Despite our initial confidence in the likely survival of the seal, the injuries inflicted by the fishing net must have been too great” says DOC spokesperson Kirstie Knowles. “It’s upsetting to have found the seal dead in a location not far from where we freed it last week” she said.
The seal, thought to be a yearling, was found last week with green fishing net around its neck. Department of Conservation staff removed the net and the seal seemed in good health.
“Discarded nets and other marine pollution can pose a serious threat to our wildlife” said Knowles. “It is essential to extra take care when fishing around fur seals and to dispose of any discarded fishing materials and other marine debris found around our coasts” say Knowles.
If members of the public find a seal that is severely injured, or entangled in marine debris, or being harassed by people or dogs, call the DOC HOTline 0800 362 468.
Visit www.doc.govt.nz for more information on fur seals.
ENDS
NZ Trade and Enterprise: NZ Businesses Deliver $340 Million Trade Boost For New Zealand In China
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve: Celebrating The Return Of Tuatara To Ngāti Koata And Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Employers & Manufacturers Association: Work-related Injuries In Manufacturing Create $1.23 Billion Economic Burden On NZ
Consumer NZ: Consumer NZ Questions Supermarket Specials: Are They Really Saving You Money?
NIWA: October Climate Summary - A Mild Month Overall, Very Wet For Much Of The South Island
Bill Bennett: I didn’t leave WordPress, WordPress left me
