In Kaikōura, on the east coast of the South Island, over 1,000 fur seals have been found dead. It’s unusual. The cause? Starvation. Experts say seabirds are starving too and it’s likely overfishing and climate change are contributing causes. 

Fur seals and seabirds in Kaikōura are starving. Climate change and overfishing are contributing to lack of food for marine animals, an indicator that the ocean is under pressure.

People on the ground say marine life is showing worrying signs of strain, and that there’s a serious disruption in ocean health. 

We spoke to four ocean champions: wildlife rehabilitator Sabrina Luecht, founder of WellBird, vet Pauline Howard from the South Island Wildlife Hospital, marine mammal researcher Krista van der Linde and Mere Takoko, Chief Executive, Pacific Whale Fund.

What’s happening in Kaikōura is an example of the pressure that climate change, overfishing and pollution are putting on the wider ocean. We know that we need action to reduce the threats to our blue planet – so that all the life that finds a home here can recover and thrive.

PETITION: Create global ocean sanctuaries

Call on the Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters to create new global ocean sanctuaries and protect our blue planet.

Sign the petition