Dead dolphin buried at beach

 

An unusual finding north of Ruakaka Estuary was reported a little over a week ago when an adult dolphin body was found washed up just south of the racecourse entry.

A local resident reported it to DOC in Whangarei who then proceeded to inspect the carcass. However it was considerably decomposed and DOC marine officer Evan Davies, who attended the site, said due to advanced decomposition they were unable to accurately identify the breed or reason for the death. 

“It didn’t appear to have any obvious signs of injuries such as a prop strike from a boat,” he said. “It probably died elsewhere and was then washed up here by recent strong easterlies.” 

DOC notified local Iwi of the dead dolphin which was then buried on site. 

DOC Whangarei covers a large part of the eastern coast from Mangawhai Spit virtually to the Bay of Islands. Davies said strandings, particulary of dolphin, were not common in the area but he praised the public for reporting the death and good information as to where it was located.