One of the boats sought to aid the investigation. Photo: Supplied
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking information from the public, following reports of seabirds being captured in fishing nets and drowned from a boat near Slipper Island/Whakahau in Coromandel.
DOC Hauraki operations manager Avi Holzapfel said he was dismayed by the report of harm to wildlife.
"It's extremely frustrating and distressing to hear about this kind of wilful mistreatment of wildlife," he said.
Holzapfel said DOC had images of the vessel which was alleged to be involved, and had made enquiries with local marinas and databases to identify its owner.
"We are keen to speak with people on board two vessels pictured seen in the area at the time, one of which bears the name 'Dad & Me', and any other members of the public who may have witnessed the incident."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the DOC HOT line on 0800 362 468 or wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz, quoting CLE Incident CLE-8275.
Many seabirds are classified as absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act 1953.
Hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife can result in penalties of up to two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.