Tēnā koe,
I am contacting you on behalf of Te Papa Atawhai / Department of Conservation (DOC) regarding an application (attached) from University of Otago who would like to fly drones over whales for research purposes in Northland – between North Cape and offshore of the Poor Knights Islands (application 107565-MAR) in collaboration with Far Out Ocean Research Trust.
This letter is being sent to iwi, hapū, whānau across coastal areas of Pēwhairangi for consultation.
Applicant and activity context/overview
At-sea surveys are invaluable for gaining information on the presence, distribution and behaviour of poorly known whale species found in Aotearoa’s deep waters. The Applicant describes their aims is to use UAVs to assist with at-sea species identification and recording of group size, group composition and behaviour of whales encountered during targeted surveys of oceanic megafauna, and opportunistically during sperm whale surveys. Surveys will take place off the coast of Northland (in collaboration with the Far Out Ocean Research Trust), Kaikōura and Otago, providing a wide range of latitude over NZ waters. This research offers the potential to address knowledge gaps of poorly known and Data Deficient species such as beaked whales.
We are interested in any comments, concerns and/or recommendations that you may have and would like to send directly to us.
Alternatively, if you would like to contact the applicant directly – their details are:
Dr Marta Guerra, Assistant Research Fellow
Please provide any questions or comments on this application by 29 August 2024.
Ngā mihi
Lara McDonald
Senior Ranger, Community
0272099197
