The seals were found on Muriwai beach. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Tom Taylor
An investigation by the Department of Conservation (DOC) is underway after two fur seals were found decapitated at a West Auckland beach last month.
DOC was alerted by a member of the public that a fur seal had been found dead at the beginning of June but decided it did not need a burial.
But, on 5 June, DOC was called by Auckland Council to reports of a fur seal found at Muriwai without its head.
Images showed it was the same fur seal reported to DOC staff a few days prior.
DOC investigator Eva Obushenkova said while rangers were at the scene they found another seal without its head.
It appeared the seals' heads were removed using a sharp blade, she said.
RNZ reported on a case of six fur seal pups found decapitated and their bodies dumped in a bay on Banks Peninsula in 2018.
"In terms of actions we are taking: the seals were buried," Obushenkova said.
"The DOC investigation was on-going and we are asking for anyone who might have information about this incident to contact DOC."
It was not acceptable for people to tamper with protected wildlife, and it was illegal to remove a protected species' head, Obushenkova said.
DOC said it was also investigating a recreational boat skipper seen steering his boat through a pod of bottlenose dolphins after reportedly being launched at Waiake Beach on Auckland's North Shore in May.
"[One witness] reported seeing the boat head straight toward the dolphins, which were clearly visible, and get very close to them," Obushenkova said.
Boats were prohibited to travel through a pod of dolphins under the marine mammals protection regulations.
"Our witness has also stated the boatie later changed direction and began following the pod, steering his vessel among the dolphins and eventually stopping the engine to take photographs."
The boat involved in the incident was a Haynes Hunter named Plaisir, Obushenkova said.
"We'd like to talk to the owner or skipper of Plaisir, and encourage them to come forward."
Anyone with information on the boat could contact DOC with the CLE Works case number 9189, while those with information on the decapitated fur seals should cite CLE Works case 9390.
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