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Tauranga Whale Identification Triggers Speed and Distance Warnings

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 4:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Marine Mammal Center Monitors

The Marine Mammal Center monitors a humpback whale that entered the Sacramento River Delta.
The whale CRC-11620 has been documented 15 times since its first 2002 sighting.
By Sept. 16 the whale was near the Rio Vista Bridge, about 60 miles inland.
Kathi George said the whale looks healthy, though its health status is unknown.
The Marine Mammal Center urges the public to keep a distance and not alter the whale’s course.

Summary

Ranger Identifies Whale

Harbour manager Anna Barnes posted the whale video on Tauranga Harbour’s social media, prompting hundreds of reactions.
Department of Conservation ranger Sarah-Lyn Wilson identified the whale from the footage and activated the DoC hotline protocol.
The Department of Conservation warned vessels to reduce speed near banks and keep at least 50 metres from the whale.
The Port of Tauranga was alerted to help prevent vessel strikes in New Zealand’s largest commercial port.

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Marine Mammal Center Monitors

The Marine Mammal Center monitors a humpback whale that entered the Sacramento River Delta.
The whale CRC-11620 has been documented 15 times since its first 2002 sighting.
By Sept. 16 the whale was near the Rio Vista Bridge, about 60 miles inland.
Kathi George said the whale looks healthy, though its health status is unknown.
The Marine Mammal Center urges the public to keep a distance and not alter the whale’s course.

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