DoC concerned warning not being heeded
It is extremely concerning key messages around water safety and swimming with Moko the dolphin are not being heard, the Department of Conservation (DoC) says.
“Moko is a large, strong, potentially dangerous animal, not a pe,t and should be treated with extreme care,” Gisborne/Whakatane area manager Andy Bassett says. “If there were other more familiar dangers, such as sharks or jellyfish in the water, would you still go swimming?”
DoC has been asked on numerous occasions to move Moko but it was not possible for DoC to do that.
“There is general perception out there the department is also responsible for those swimming with Moko. We want to be clear that swimmers enter the water at their own risk.”.
The Marine Mammals Protection Act required DoC staff to try to ensure the welfare of marine mammals, he said.
With summer and increased visitor numbers fast approaching DoC was getting prepared.
An action plan to inform visitors of the dangers of swimming with Moko is being formulated.