Health warnings remain for Auckland beaches about toxic sea slugs although it has been three months since the outbreak that killed six dogs.

“Slugs are still out there and still have the toxin in them,” said medical officer of health Simon Baker.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10619463

School holidays and the onset of daylight saving are set to tempt Aucklanders back to the beach, however public health officers are warning parents to closely watch children – and look out for toxic sea slugs.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10600017

You may be concerned about recent media reports of dog, fish and other marine wildlife deaths in the Hauraki Gulf. DOC is also concerned about this issue and has been working as part of an inter-agency group led by the Auckland Regional Council to investigate the causes of the deaths.

Testing carried out by scientists, veterinary surgeons and veterinary pathologists ruled out brodifacoum poisoning from the very beginning of the investigations. Brodifacoum, not 1080 was used in the recent Rangitoto/Motutapu restoration project.

Summary of investigation results:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/issues/public-concern-over-wildlife-deaths-in-hauraki-gulf/

A large number of little blue penguins washing up on our shores have had authorities and the public concerned, however tests show that the Tauranga deaths are just part of nature’s cycle.

“This time of year is always challenging for the local penguin population” says Tauranga Biodiversity Programme Manager, Chris Clark. “Juveniles that have left their nests will sometimes fail to forage or get caught in stormy seas, and die”.

Date: 12 August 2009
http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/nature-cruel-but-penguin-deaths-normal/