A two-year-old female sea lion, pictured here as a pup in 2021, was shot and killed near Dunedin. Photo: Supplied / Janet Ledingham
The shooting and killing of a New Zealand sea lion near Dunedin is upsetting and horrific, the Department of Conservation says.
The two-year-old female was found by a member of the public on the harbour side of Aramoana Beach last Wednesday.
DOC is appealing for anyone with information to come forward after test results confirmed she had been shot.
Coastal Otago operations manager Gabe Davies said they were among the rarest sea lion species in the world and the taonga should be able to live in their natural habitat without the threat of violence from humans.
"There are currently only 30 breeding-age females on the Otago Peninsula. Last year, we had 21 pups born. Of these, only five females survived," Davies said.
"Females who survive to breeding age, which is around four years old, are very precious, and this sea lion was well on her way there."
This sea lion was well known to the local community and was born in Aramoana on New Year's Day in 2021.
"This event is particularly devastating for the community and the people who closely monitor the local population and have followed this sea lion's life journey closely."
The Sea Lion Threat Management Plan is currently under review by DOC, mana whenua, Fisheries NZ, conservation groups and the community.
Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou manager Nadia Wesley-Smith said it was absolutely devastating to think someone may have intentionally shot this pakake.
"Sea lions have always been here in the harbour beaches, though in small numbers in recent times. Individual losses such as this represent the absence of future generations."
New Zealand Sea Lion Trust co-chairperson Shaun McConkey said it was a heartbreaking situation.
"Coastal communities in Otago have really begun to understand and embrace the natural return of sea lions to our shores in recent years," McConkey said.
"Awareness and appreciation have been growing, so it's hugely disappointing that there are still individuals out there undermining that work."
Anyone who disturbs, harasses, harms, injures or kills a New Zealand sea lion could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.