Concern hunt for oil will harm whales

Seismic tests for oil and gas deposits off the northeast coast of the South Island have upset Whale Watch.

The Kaikoura tourism operator said it was "very, very concerned" about the impact the tests might have on the region's marine life and the community, which relied on tourism for its livelihood.

Crown Minerals has surveyed the Pegasus Basin, which stretches from the Wairarapa coast to the northeast coast of the South Island.

Whale Watch is demanding that no tests be conducted within an agreed exclusion zone, which would include a buffer of 10 nautical miles outside its area of operation.

Chief operating officer Kauahi Ngapora said the company was not consulted before the tests began last month.

"It is very disappointing, to say the least," he said. "One would think they would have a duty to do that, but unfortunately there was no engagement or consultation with local stakeholders. The only consultation that occurred was after the decision to conduct the seismic survey activity had been taken."

He said the effect of tests on marine mammals was unclear. it "Even the experts that we've talked to and that have talked to us from Crown Minerals cannot definitively say that there won't be an effect," he said.

"That in itself should be raising a red flag and suggest a serious precautionary approach should be taken. We really want that seismic survey to be done as far away from Kaikoura as possible."

Crown Minerals chief petroleum geologist Richard Cook said: "It would not be in anyone's interests to comment at this point."

The Ministry of Economic Development said the programme had been designed to "minimise the impact on whale-watching activities".

Kaikoura Mayor Kevin Heays said he wanted evidence that the tests would not affect marine mammals.

"I need to have assurances that our tourism operations out on the water will not be affected," Heays said.

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