Stranded Whales- Tragic waste or gift from the sea?
The recent stranding of Gray's Beaked Whales at Taupo Bay was an emotional event for the many people who had close contact with these magnificent marine mammals.
As the day drew to a close, tired rescuers and observers looked sadly at the bodies of the two mature females on the beach and said a silent farewell also to the younger whale whose body was cast onto the rocks and subsequently reclaimed by the sea. There was also a measure of satisfaction as the two remaining juveniles headed back out to sea and they were no doubt accompanied by prayers for their continued survival from those who had spent a large part of the day endeavouring to keep them from beaching themselves.
There is always a degree of frustration and sheer bafflement at whale stranding events. Why are these sea creatures hurling themselves at the shore and almost certain death outside of their marine home? Is it due to natural conditions or are there human-influenced factors at work? We could even ask if we have the right to interfere in any way in the determination of their fate. Overwhelmingly, the instincts of most who witness strandings are to assist in any way possible to save the lives of those whales near the shore or already beached but needing help to survive.
At Taupo Bay, locals, members of Far North Whale Rescue, and personnel from the Kaitaia office of DOC put in the best possible effort to save the threatened whales. However, at the close of the day, the most pressing issue was how to respectfully and safely dispose of the remains. Under the Marine Mammals Protection Act (1978) DOC is responsible for the protection, conservation and management of marine mammals in New Zealand waters. At a stranding they will first attempt a rescue, with their order of priorities being: animal welfare; species conservation; Maori culture; science and education.
Currently the framework for the role of Maori in the management of whale strandings, and the subsequent recovery and distribution of materials recovered from marine mammals is under review.
While protocols exist between DOC and iwi authorities in some regions, these are not cemented in law - a situation seen by Maori as giving inadequate recognition of Tino Rangatiratanga as guaranteed under the Treaty of Waitangi, and as restricting their natural role as Kaitiaki (stewards and guardians) of marine life forms. The current permitting system for ownership and distribution of marine mammal materials is also seen as unwieldy and vests inappropriate control in government departments. Ngatiwai Trust Board - members of which traveled from Whangarei to advise and assist the Taupo Bay hapu on recovery of materials from the recent stranding - has built a considerable knowledge base on marine mammals and have put in the hard yards learning how to humanely euthanise animals when necessary and flense the carcasses with due attention to tradition, health and safety, and the needs of science. Ngatiwai has engaged with Auckland University of Technology in a joint venture to further knowledge and understanding of marine mammals and also established protocols with DOC which recognise their skills and history in the field of marine mammal management.
At a hui at Roma Marae, Ahipara, in the week following the Taupo Bay stranding, there was much discussion on the role of Maori in controlling the distribution of materials recovered from whales. Tui Shortland of Ngatiwai, outlined the procedure they employ, whereby any carver requesting material from the store of bone must establish their credentials at a special meeting of the Trust Board, and show examples of their work before being gifted the taonga for their use. An experienced carver who spoke in support of this system made the point that anyone wanting to make a quick ‘flea-market flick-off' could just as easily use beef bone or totara wood. A skilled carver will ensure that the spirit of the whale lives on in a carefully crafted work and not even the smallest sliver of bone will be wasted or treated carelessly. Likewise, other materials such as the oil that is being harvested from the Taupo Bay whales, is held in trust by local hapu for the benefit of the people in that rohe.
Currently this system works reasonably well in Northland due largely to the goodwill built through a working relationship between Ngatiwai and DOC. However, until a system backed by legislation is put in place, those who do the work cannot be assured of a clear, ongoing role. Anyone with an interest in having input on the future of the management of whale strandings and the materials recovered from them can make submissions on the issue at www.doc.govt.nz/whalebone.
Provided by Soozee McIntyre (article first appeared in Doubtless Bay Times)
