Boaties and jet skiers are being warned to take care around newborn dolphins and other marine mammals when they hit the water over the holiday season.
The Department of Conservation (DoC) has expressed concern over recent reports of Hector's dolphins being harassed by water craft around Banks Peninsula.
DoC's Akaroa field ranger Derek Cox says he is worried about the safety of the rare Hector's dolphins in the Akaroa and Lyttelton Harbours.
"Jet skiers have caused particular concern in recent years," he says.
Hector's dolphins come close to shore to breed over the summer months.
DoC says there have been instances where baby dolphins have been killed by boat propellers, when careless boaties have run them over.
Newborn dolphins are particularly vulnerable to injury because they swim slowly, relatively close to the surface.
Mr Cox says dolphins can be very friendly and inquisitive and he is asking people to be aware of them when they are out in the water, to prevent any unnecessary deaths.
"Let the dolphins come to you and if they decide to move away, let them go," he says.
"Making sudden changes in speed or direction should be avoided especially around mothers and calves who are unable to react as fast as adult dolphins."
Mr Cox says boaties should report any incidents of marine mammals being harassed to DoC.
NZN