Reports of second whale caught in rope, plastic - DOC

The whale, with green rope around it. Photo / Department of Conservation

Department of Conservation (DOC) staff are investigating reports of another humpback whale entangled in a buoy in the Far North.

Tourist boat operators in the Bay of Islands reported seeing a 12-15 metre humpback caught in a rope and plastic buoy around 11am near Moturua Island.

The latest sighting came just before DOC staff managed to free a 12-metre long humpback which had entangled itself in rope and debris near Doubtless Bay on Monday.

They will attempt to locate and free the second whale tomorrow morning, weather permitting.

"There's a north-easterly predicted for tomorrow morning with 15-20 knot winds, gusting to 35 knots in the afternoon, so it's a 50/50 chance at present. I'll make a final call at first light tomorrow," said Biodiversity Programme Manager in the Bay of Islands Adrian Walker.

Should weather conditions be favourable, a spotter plane and 2 boats will head out at 7am to try and locate the whale.

DOC workers free humpback tangled in rope

This afternoon a large humpback whale which was tangled in rope off the Far North coast was freed.

Department of Conservation staff were able to cut free the debris on the tail of the 12-metre long, 30 tonne whale at 3.30pm, spokeswoman Carolyn Smith said.

The whale was first spotted entangled in rope and debris in Doubtless Bay on Monday.

Staff began a rescue attempt yesterday, and again this morning at 8.30am, managing to secure a hook on the rope.

Rescuers followed the whale until it tired itself out before they approached to cut it free.

Immediately after its release, the whale headed "steadily out to sea," Ms Smith said.

- NZ Herald staff, NZPA