Project Jonah and the Department of Conservation (DOC) are trying to locate a whale that was reportedly entangled in fishing gear in western Tasman Bay.
DOC Golden Bay District supervisor says it was notified of the incident around 1:15pm yesterday and based on images it received, appears to be a beaked whale species.
She says the initial search was land-based, using binoculars, and the search continued on Sunday morning with a boat survey between Awaroa Head and Separation Point.
With search efforts so far turning up nothing, Amanda says DOC is appealing for community assistance.
"We have been reaching out to the public via the Project Jonah network, to ask anyone visiting the coast around Golden Bay and Tasman Bay over the coming days to keep an eye out," she says.
"The disentanglement team are on standby for further sightings."
Amanda says the whale may have travelled "considerable distance".
The public has been urged that the whale is likely very stressed and could respond aggressively, so it is not to be approached should they come across it.
Project Jonah says if the public spot a distressed whale, they should immediately call 0800 562 468 (0800 DOC HOT) or 0800 494 253 (0800 4 WHALE).
