In addition to swimming, it is an offence to harass, disturb, injure, or kill marine mammals. The penalty for breaching the regulations is a $10,000 fine. Under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992 it is an offence to swim within 100 m of a whale.įor the purpose of the protection regulations, a whale is defined as all species commonly known as whales and includes baleen whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales, and pilot whales. One of the key threats to this species is disturbance by recreational vessels, both through noise pollution and boat strike, and research is aimed at determining ways in which this can be reduced to minimum levels.ĭOC is also responsible for managing stranding events. This adds to the pool of information that is available for this species. DOC's workĭOC records all sighting and stranding information in the national cetacean sightings' database and the national whale and dolphin strandings' database, respectively. The presence of boats is known to disrupt the normal behaviour of these animals, particularly resting, and underwater noise may disrupt echolocation signals and other communication.Īs orca are at the top of the food web they are particularly susceptible to pollution via bioaccumulation (the accumulation of toxins through the food chain). Nowadays, one of the greatest potential impacts is likely to be disturbance caused by vessel traffic. Historically, orca were targeted by fishers for human consumption but no significant hunting occurs today. Males reach physical maturity at about 21 years and live for a maximum of 50-60 years. The gestation period is 15-18 months and calves are nursed for at least one year.įemales are known to live up to 80 or 90 years. Breedingįemales give birth to their first calf between 11 and 16 years of age and tend to do so every five years for their 25-year reproductive life span. Orca hunt cooperatively and are even known to intentionally strand themselves on beaches temporarily in order to catch seals. Squid, octopus, sea birds and sea turtles are also eaten. Attacks or kills have been documented on more than 35 species, including blue whales.įish species are also important in their diet, such as salmon, tuna, herring, cod, sharks and rays. These dolphins have an extremely diverse diet and are the only known cetaceans that regularly prey upon other marine mammals. Pods are usually formed for life and can result in the development of unique dialects. Orca are typically encountered in family groups or pods. Even within New Zealand it has been proposed that there are three different types, based on observations of different food preferences. We are beginning to understand that there are different types of orca throughout the world, and work on defining these types is currently underway. New Zealand is home to an estimated 150–200 individuals, which travel long distances throughout the country’s coastal waters. See this factsheet about orca in Wellington (PDF, 873K). Orcas are also often seen exploring the northern end of the harbour and the Kapiti Coast. Passers-by have even watched as one stingray made a frantic leap for safety onto nearby rocks, later to be assisted back into the water by a nearby observer.

They dig in the muddy sea bottom for stingrays and are often seen hearding them into shallow water around Oriental Parade, Frank Kitts Park, and The Lagoon.

Pods of orca are known to venture into Wellington Harbour throughout spring and summer looking for a unique food source (orcas in other parts of the world aren't known to do this), but it is rare for them to stick around. Orca can be found all throughout New Zealand's coastline. They prefer deeper water but can be found in shallow bays and estuaries, and in inland seas. Its distribution is patchy however and it is more commonly seen at the poles and in cooler waters. Orca are the most widely distributed mammal on earth with the exception of humans. They are acrobatic and are commonly seen breaching and flipper-slapping.įemales and males differ in that males are longer and bulkier than females and females have smaller, more curved dorsal fins, and smaller flippers. Orca flippers are large and paddle-shaped and overall the body is robust. They can grow up to 9 m in length, with male dorsal fins reaching higher than a metre. The killer whale/orca ( Orcinus orca) is well known and can be identified relatively easily by its distinctive black and white markings and very tall, prominent dorsal fin.

Orca whale