Protected seals shot near Dunedin

Police were last night interviewing five men over the shooting of seals near Dunedin's Taiaroa Head yesterday.

One seal was confirmed dead and the Department of Conservation will check for others today after up to 20 shots were reported to have been fired at the mammals.

Police met five men off a small fishing boat and confiscated three shotguns.

Killing protected marine species can carry a fine of up to $30,000.