A local fishing crew successfully disentangled a juvenile 8-9 metre humpback whale from a 12mm braided cray pot line and float off the coast of Moeraki on Sunday (15 June).

First sighted at around 9am, the crew was remotely assisted by the Department of Conservation's (DOC) expert whale disentanglement team and mana whenua, Te Rūnaka o Moeraki.

The whale was eventually freed around 10.45am.

The float did not appear to belong to a local company.

DOC's Operations Manager, Coastal Otago, Gabe Davies said they were incredibly grateful to the local crew for their calm response and skilled handling of a difficult situation.

“The safety of both the whale and the people involved is always our top priority, and this outcome shows what’s possible when people on the water act calmly and responsibly.”

DOC is aware of another sighting report from Friday and there may still be a second entangled whale in the area, Davies said.

It’s also possible the freed whale has remnants of cray line still attached.

DOCs expert disentanglement team remains on standby.

If you spot a whale that appears entangled or in distress, DOC urges you to call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately, noting the location, time, and a description. Stay well clear – do not approach or attempt to intervene.