New Zealand Fur Seal “Haul-Out” Season

From May to September each year, seals spend much of their time on land, relaxing and soaking up the sun on rocky shores. However, as some of our berth holders discovered a couple of years ago, jetties and boats in our marinas can also seem like inviting resting spots for these curious creatures.

Recently, we’ve spotted a few seals in the Waikawa Marina North West and Waikawa Marina Trust basins, and our marina team has reported that the seals seem to be braver and more territorial this year. To help keep both you and the seals safe, we’d like to remind you of what to do if a seal blocks your access and how to prevent them from hopping aboard your vessel.

Please note, under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 (MMPA), it is an offence to disturb, harass, harm, injure, or kill a seal. It is also a very good idea to follow our marina rules, and please keep your dogs on a lead in the marina. If your dog attacks a seal, you could face prosecution.

So, what should you do if you notice a seal on the jetty or your boat?

If a seal is blocking access to the jetty or if it has boarded your vessel, please contact the marina office.

Our marina team have received specific training from DOC and are permitted to encourage seals back into the water safely. The team is available and happy to help during the marina’s operating hours, which are 08:00 to 16:30 in the winter (please note only urgent calls will be serviced outside of these hours).

For your own personal safety, it is important that you follow these guidelines.

• stay at least 20 m away
• do not disturb seals by making loud noises or throwing things
• keep dogs and children away
• do not feed the seals
• never attempt to touch a seal

Please also refer to What to do if you find a seal (doc.govt.nz)

How do I prevent seals from boarding my vessel?

Here are a few suggestions for making your vessel a less attractive haul-out option.

Visual Repellents:

• Flags
• Streamers
• Buoys e.g. on vessel swim step/marlin board
• Large fenders
• Placement of an inflatable dingy on the boarding platform within your berth dimensions

Barriers & Exclusion Devices:

• Tightly fixed and well-maintained fencing – with closely spaced posts
• Tightly fixed and well-maintained netting – with small openings to prevent entrapment of seal
• Swim step/marlin board protector e.g., canvas sheeting as a visual barrier, or additional railing (removable)
• Plastic construction mesh/netting that can be cable tied to handrails around boarding platforms or other potential access points

If it is possible, you can reverse your vessel into your berth, which reduces access to the swim deck area by seals.

Please do not fortify common access points on your vessel with sharp objects or any other form of barrier that may cause harm or injury to a seal.

If a seal is being harassed by people or dogs, is entangled, or is severely injured please call the DOC HOT line 0800 362 468.