The Department of Conservation says it is very unlikely seismic surveying had anything to do with the deaths of 12 sperm whales on a South Taranaki beach last week.
A camp manager noticed the whales on Thursday morning and the Department of Conservation and local hapu Ngati Tu were called.
DoC said a number of people had asked if the deaths were related to seismic surveying in the area, which finished in March.
"Given the time that has lapsed DoC considers it extremely unlikely that seismic surveying contributed to the death of these animals," said DoC marine species manager Ian Angus.
A veterinary pathologist from Massey University estimated the whales had been dead for 36 hours when he arrived at Kaupokonui Beach on Friday.