sealionshotcatlins.jpg Someone shot this sea lion on a South Otago beach on Sunday. Photo: Department of ConservationThe Department of Conservation is urging the public to come forward with information after a critically endangered sea lion was shot on a South Otago beach. Biodiversity ranger Ros Cole says the male sea lion was reported dead on Tautuku Beach southwest of Balclutha on Sunday. In July, the Sea Lion Threat Management Plan was released which aims to halt the decline of the sea lion population within five years and ensure the population is stable or increasing within 20 years. Anyone with any information on the shot sea lion is urged to contact the Owaka Police on 03 419 1070.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 19, 2017 00:56 UTC