The mother of a juvenile sea lion recently found shot in Catlins Estuary has also been killed by a firearm, leaving Department of Conservation staff devastated.

The incident marks a significant blow to the Southland sea lion population, which saw only seven pups born this year.

Jade, the mother sea lion, was discovered by a local resident on Tuesday evening, about 100 metres from where her pup was found dead in late September.

Her body, partially decomposed, is believed to have washed up following recent flooding in the area.

Jade had given birth to her pup in February, about 60 kilometres up the Clutha River Mata-au—a rare occurrence for the species.

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming condemned the killings, calling them “appalling” and “completely unacceptable.”

He said, “Sea lions are a protected species and it’s a very serious offence to intentionally injure or kill one. It goes without saying these kinds of incidents must stop. Most people will be deeply disgusted by this sort of behaviour against a protected species and the DOC team is genuinely shocked.”

“We want to find the person who has done this so they can be held accountable. Anyone with any information is asked to come forward by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468),” he said.

The DOC is working alongside the NZ Sea Lion Trust, which has offered a $6000 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution.

The Trust’s Co-chair, Shaun McConkey, said the incident is especially heartbreaking given the small, recovering population of sea lions on the mainland.

“Sea lions were wiped out on the mainland by human hunting, 250 years on and we’re still doing the same thing. The killing of a breeding female is a devastating loss to a small population that has only recently returned to the area,” McConkey said.

Jade’s death is a loss felt deeply by the local community. She was well-known, having been born under a crib (bach) at Kākā Point in 2016 and named after the late son of the bach owners.

The DOC’s investigation includes a veterinary examination and x-ray of Jade’s body, which revealed around 50 shotgun pellets. Some of these will undergo forensic testing to see if they match those found in her pup. Fleming described the grim findings: “She was lying down and facing away from the shooter, with most pellets entering her chest and spine.”

Pakake, or New Zealand sea lions, are classified as “Nationally Vulnerable,” with a population of about 10,000, mostly residing in the subantarctic islands where their numbers continue to decline. While the mainland population has seen a modest recovery since sea lions began breeding in the Catlins in 2006, only 12 breeding-age females remain in the area.

Under the Wildlife Act, injuring or killing protected native wildlife such as sea lions carries severe penalties, including up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000.