When a deceased whale calf was discovered near Honeymoon Island on 16 August, uncertainty arose over who was responsible for responding and what process should be followed.
With no marine mammal response plan in place, Michael Lee of Aitutaki Coral Restoration and Eco Tours stepped forward as the key respondent. He provided the vessel, equipment and labour needed to recover the calf and transport it to Arutanga Wharf.
At the request of Marine Consultant Richard Story, the National Environment Service joined the response. Under his guidance, Aitutaki NES officers photographed and measured the calf and collected samples for Marine Biologist and Whale Researcher Nan Hauser and the Ministry of Marine Resources. Michael later transported the calf beyond the main channel, where it was respectfully returned to sea. NES Officer George Makita accompanied him and offered a prayer before its release.
That week, Mayor Nick Henry called an emergency meeting, with a call to establish an Aitutaki Marine Wildlife First Response Committee. The committee will clarify who leads during future incidents and how agencies, operators and technical advisers work together. MMR will lead on marine species matters, while NES will support through environmental monitoring, compliance and information gathering.
Whales are important to our marine environment, yet much of our traditional knowledge and understanding of these species may have been lost. The cause of this calf’s death remains unknown. However, as whale tourism grows in Aitutaki, how can we rebuild our knowledge of these species and ensure all interactions within their habitat are responsible and protective?
