Project Jonah warns Aucklanders to give orca space

A pod of orca has drawn significant attention in Tamaki Makoto, Auckland, as they swam close to the city's waterfront, particularly in the Waitamata Harbour. The sighting attracted crowds of whale watchers, with some orca even venturing into the West Haven Marina. However, concerns arose regarding the safety and well-being of both the orca and the spectators, prompting discussions about the appropriate guidelines for interacting with these marine mammals.

Darren Grover from Project Jonas emphasizes the importance of respecting the orca's space. While sightings of orca in the harbour are not uncommon, he notes that people should maintain a distance of at least 50 meters when approaching the animals by boat and avoid using high-speed engines. Grover highlights that the presence of a young calf in the pod necessitates extra caution, as separating it from its group could cause stress to the adults.

Grover also addresses the excitement of swimming among the orca, reassuring that while they do not typically pose a threat to humans, it is crucial to respect their environment and avoid actions that could lead to panic or distress. He urges boaters and swimmers to be mindful of their behavior to ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to visit the area without being harassed.

A pod of orca caused quite a stir in Auckland, after swimming remarkably close to the city's waterfront on Monday afternoon. The animals were spotted moving through the Waitemata Harbour, attracting crowds of whale watchers along the shoreline. Some even swam into Westhaven Marina. But there were some concerns people might be getting a little too close in their excitement. Project Jonah's Daren Grover spoke to John Campbell.