Protected sea turtle drowns, dolphin injured after boat strikes in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf

Friday, 29 January 2021

A black sea turtle was found dead at Whangaparaoa beach in Auckland after it was hit by a boat, causing it to drown.

A protected black sea turtle drowned in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf after a boat propeller pierced its lung, a necropsy has found.

The case is one of many marine animal injuries and deaths caused by an increase in boats in the gulf, due to the hot weather and Prada Cup crowds, the Department of Conservation (DOC) says.

The turtle washed ashore on Whangaparaoa beach in north Auckland on January 15 and was found by an off-duty DOC worker.

It had four deep lacerations across its shell, caused by a boat strike.

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There are more boats on the water this summer as people flock to watch the Prada Cup, DOC says. (File photo)

The necropsy, at Auckland Zoo, found the propeller pierced the animal’s shell and lung, causing it to drown.

DOC biodiversity supervisor Molly Hicks said the team usually receives about 2500 calls per year about animal injuries.

However, this summer it has seen an increase in call frequency.

“It’s usually that [boats] are moving too quickly through the water and are unable to slow down in time, or they’re willing to risk their propeller and passengers when they see an object and are willing to hit it,” she said.

A boat strike can either cause blunt force trauma or lacerations from the propeller, which can maim or kill animals.

Turtles aren’t the only animal at risk, Hicks said, as anything that needs to come to the surface to breathe could be hit.

Just a week after the turtle incident, Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari skipper Gary Williams came across a common dolphin showing serious prop strike wounds.

“We were disappointed, but sadly not surprised,” he said.

The excess noise and movement caused by the additional boats will cause some distress to these wild animals, Hicks said.

Those heading out onto the water should slow down and keep a look for anything close to the surface.

All reptiles, including sea turtles, are protected under the Wildlife Act and all seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act.

If you spot an injured marine animal, it can be reported to DOC by calling 0800 DOC HOT.