Cetacean Ecology Research Group - CERG

05/10/2026

Congratulations JiYe - we are so excited to have another pathologist passionate about dolphins work with us!

A NEW DIPLOMATE OF ACVP!!

Please join us in congratulating JiYe Ahn who has recently passed the ACVP Board exam - she is now Awanui Veterinary’s latest Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

We want to congratulate JiYe for this massive effort, it is a very demanding examination process. Also thank you to our supportive veterinary pathologist team who have mentored her this year.

01/10/2026

🐋 Yesterday our team worked alongside Manawhenua Ki Mohua and DOC to examine a second pygmy right whale. At over 5m length, this adult female was sadly pregnant with an early term foetus, providing important yet rare insights to reproductive biology of one of the world’s least-understood baleen whales.

Pygmy right whales remain an exceptionally enigmatic species, with their anatomy, biology and health derived from a relatively small number of animals examined post-mortem. Tissues collected from this latest case are now under assessment by a veterinary pathologist.

, , , , , , - Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Massey University Foundation , Department of Conservation, Awanui Veterinary, Colgan Foundation, Chisholm Whitney Charitable Trust 📷 Department of Conservation

27/09/2026

🐋 Southern right whale/tohorā cow–calf pairs need space and quiet to rest along Aotearoa New Zealand’s coastline. Boat approaches can interrupt natural behaviour, while slow-moving whales resting near the surface are vulnerable to vessel strike. Stay at least 200 m away from cow–calf pairs, slow to idle or no-wake speed within 300 m and never cut across their path or separate a cow and calf. Giving this taonga space is a simple, practical way to support their health and welfare.

Thanks to the support of Ngāti Kororā. Acknowledging Tanya Munro, Joelene Busby, Huia Busby, Tessa Busby, Nga Rangatahi, Te Kaurinui Parata, and the wider whānau including neighbouring hapū Ngāti Takapari.

With additional thanks to Jaycee Tipene-Thomas, Department of Conservation and Project Jonah New Zealand, Daniel Manchester, Heather Froeneck, and Dr Ramari Oliphant Stewart. Drone operated under 118m ASL / x7 zoom under special Department of Conservation (DOC) permission by Daniel Manchester

27/09/2026

In April 2023, 11 roughtoothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) died during a mass stranding at Tauroa Point, Northland, NZ.

With the blessing of Ahipara Takiwā hapu and the assistance, support and collaboration of many individuals and teams across Department of Conservation, Awanui Veterinary, Cawthron Institute, ARC Vets, Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre, TriOceans, Massey University Foundation and many others, we undertook a detailed biological and pathological work up of all 11 animals which were transported to the for necropsy.

Findings from the necropsy and ancillary testing have been years in the making but are now under peer review and available later this year - Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Royal Society Te Apārangi, ,

26/09/2026

Recently we examined 3.2 m pygmy right whale in the South Island. Findings revealed a young, sexually immature female who presented with severe zymogen depletion in the pancreas. This marked reduction in digestive enzyme granules inside pancreatic cells has been linked to severe prolonged malnutrition, chronic inflammation and tissue atrophy.

Despite this, the whale had terminally fed on krill. Since zymogen depletion does not happen overnight, findings support prolonged, severe caloric or protein deficiency which suggests the whale likely underwent weeks of weaning failure and/or localized food scarcity. While concerns of gastrointestinal blockage have been excluded, ancillary testing to rule out biotoxins and pancreatic exocrine failure continue.

We thank Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Ngāti Rārua supporting the examination of this toanga.

, , , - Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Awanui Veterinary, Department of Conservation, Massey University Foundation , ,

22/09/2026

Another tragic loss for Hector's dolphin. Unfortunately, immunocompromise enables these common protozoan parasites to become lethal in several mammals, including dolphins.

The dolphin was carrying a male calf when it was found on Oreti Beach.

21/09/2026

Unfortunately, we weren't aware of this dolphin until this evening

https://franklintimes.co.nz/deceased-dolphin-found-in-kawakawa-bay/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUdwcdjbGNrBR3BwXBkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeAqtf4hGYVYUZNhX65a4lbTuVoEDuv-fgeJfPDmob3n8gBrS5224BZoIqADc_aem_jbnk00wRww9Jd-r836vPOw

By Times’ Junior Journalist Josh Arnold A deceased dolphin was recently discovered in the waters off Kawakawa Bay. The animal was found with extensive bruising on its underside, suggesting it may have been struck by a vessel. While the cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, the injuries are consi...

17/09/2026

More on our collaboration with Dr Penny Clarke and team at the British Antarctic Survey 🐋

New research has shown for the first time that strandings of smaller species of whales and dolphins can be successfully detected and counted from space, providing an important tool for cetacean conservation and ocean health monitoring 🛰️ The images shown here depict a mass stranding of long-fin...

16/09/2026

Another busy day - Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

16/09/2026

Super proud of Dr Penny Clarke and team for this cracking paper, which includes a new perspective on New Zealand pilot whale mass strandings!