Call to release videos after fishing vessels make disturbing '5-tonne' catches: 'Hell of a shock'

Calls to release footage of orcas netted by fishing vessels after five-tonne catches underline the tension between commercial fishing and wildlife protection in New Zealand. Authorities have refused to publish the moment, with Fisheries Minister Shane Jones defending the industry after confirming two orcas died in separate incidents in May. He noted that some orcas weighed about five tonnes and expressed surprise that vessels 30 to 40 feet long could haul them from the sea. One death occurred off the Kaikōura coast within Te Rohe o Te Whānau Puha Whale Sanctuary, while the second took place off Gisborne, outside protected zones and 11 kilometres from the nearest area with restrictions.

Officials said camera footage on the vessels exists, but the Official Information Act prevents releasing it overseas. Fisheries New Zealand confirmed the deaths occurred in early and late May and that different operators were responsible for each incident. Emma Taylor described the episodes as extremely rare interactions and noted that the Kaikōura sanctuary restricts seismic activity but does not ban fishing. The minister said New Zealanders can trust the stewardship of officials and that the government will seek international advice on actions to reduce bycatch risk posed to orcas.