Media Release October 11, 2024

Date: October 11, 2024

It’s another major setback for the species’ population in Southland, where just seven cubs were born this year. Sea lions began breeding in the Catlins again in 2006 and today there are only 12 females of breeding age in the local area.

The mother sea lion, called Jade, gave birth to the cub about 60km up the Clutha Mata-au River in February, which was highly unusual behavior.

Jade was found by a local resident on Tuesday night, about 100 meters from where her puppy was found dead in late September. It began to decompose and is believed to have ended up there during the recent floods.

DOC Southern South Island Director of Operations Aaron Fleming says shooting a sea lion is a terrible thing to do and is completely unacceptable.

“Sea lions are a protected species and it is a very serious offense to intentionally harm or kill one.

“It goes without saying that these types of incidents must stop. Most people will be deeply disgusted by this type of behavior against a protected species and the DOC team is genuinely shocked.

“It is a tragedy that the mother and calf were shot. DOC staff are determined to find the person responsible and urge the public to contribute any information that could help the investigation.

“We want to find the person who did this so they can be held accountable. Anyone with any information should come forward by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Jade was well known to the local community and her loss is devastating to local residents and those who work with the species, says Aaron Fleming.

“We don’t know when, where or why these sea lions were shot, or if they were shot at the same time. Any information can help.”

The NZ Sea Lion Trust is offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution.

Aaron Fleming says a local veterinarian performed an x-ray and examination, which found about 50 shotgun shells. Some of these will be forensically tested to see if they match the pellets found in your pup.

“She was lying down with her back to the shooter, with most of the bullets entering her chest and spine.”

NZ Sea Lion Trust co-chair Shaun McConkey says although the sea lion population in the sub-Antarctic continues to decline, one positive is that their lives appear to be a little easier on the mainland, which makes it all the more heartbreaking when something like this it happens.

“Sea lions were wiped out on the continent by human hunting 250 years later, and we are still doing the same thing. The death of a breeding female is a devastating loss for a small population that has only recently returned to the area.

“It is important to remember that these sea lions catch fish to feed themselves and their young, not just for recreation or fun.

“Thanks to generous donations from the public, the reward has been increased to a maximum of $6,000 for any and all information leading to a successful prosecution of these recent sea lion deaths. Please visit our website www.sealiontrust.org.nz for more details.”

Jade was born under a cradle (bach) at Kākā Point in 2016. She was named after the bach owners’ late son.

Under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to harm or kill protected native wildlife, such as sea lions, and anyone who does so could face punishments of up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Basic information

Pakake has a threat status of “Nationally Vulnerable” and numbers around 10,000. About 96% of the population is found on the sub-Antarctic islands and is declining. On the mainland, there are small but growing populations on Rakiura/Stewart Island, Murihiku/Southland and Otago.