Algae bloom blamed for penguin deaths

Red algae bloom is the primary suspect in the deaths of scores of little blue penguins along the west coast of the North Island.

Dead or dying penguins have been found washed up on beaches from Taranaki to Port Waikato this week.

A bloom of harmful red fungus forming offshore may be responsible for killing the small blue birds, Department of Conservation officer Bryan Williams told the Taranaki Daily News.

"We're working with the Taranaki Regional Council and Taranaki's Medical Officer of Health, and water samples are being collected for analysis."

A similar thing happened a few years ago, he said, with scientists suspecting the blooms were linked to climatic fluctuations caused by El Nino.

Death by starvation had also not been ruled out as the reason behind the deaths.

However, even if the cause was found, there was little humans could do about it, Mr Williams said.

"It's nature taking its course. It will have a small impact on the population but I believe that the population is large enough to sustain what is happening."

Two of the dead seabirds had been sent to Massey University for autopsy.

The little blue penguins are the world's smallest penguin, growing up to 43cm tall and weighing about a kilogram.

- NZPA