DoC investigates a video of a jet ski driving through a group of dolphins

The Department of Conservation is investigating concerns about a jet ski passing a pod of dolphins after a video of the incident surfaced on Instagram.

The video, which was posted to Instagram by Auckland real estate mogul Ricky Cave on Sunday, shows a jet ski traveling at around 22km / h as dolphins swim around it.

A member of the public contacted the DoC and the Herald expressing concern about the cave’s actions and the safety of the dolphins after viewing the video online.

The video was taken from Pauanui on Coromandel over the weekend, according to a source.

DoC investigation team leader John Wallwork said the video had been turned over to his compliance team for further investigation and to determine whether the behavior was in violation of regulations.

“We will be determining the next steps after working a little more on this. The Commerce Department follows up on all information and notices provided by the public.”

A breach of the Marine Mammal Protection Regulations can incur a fine of between $ 400 and $ 600. The most serious incidents can be prosecuted through the courts.

DoC’s advice on how boats, water skiers and others who enjoy New Zealand’s water and shores should behave around marine mammals is available online and recommends that boats travel no faster than idling or “unawakened” within 300 m of marine mammals such as whales. dolphins or seals.

They should approach from a direction that is parallel and slightly backward and should not surround marine mammals, obstruct their path, or cut off any group. The boat should also move slowly away.

With dolphins in particular, the skipper can gradually increase speed to keep the dolphins away but should not exceed 10 knots (18 km / h) until they are more than 300 m away.

Cave did not respond to requests for comment.