The Department of Conservation (DoC) is asking the public for help finding an entangled dolphin in Auckland waters.

The juvenile/subadult bottlenose dolphin was first spotted tangled in a fishing net, cutting into its dorsal fin, in the western Waitematā Harbour on December 29.

The last reported sighting was yesterday afternoon by the Huapai Golf Course at the edge of Waitematā Harbour.

DoC operations manager Kirsty Prior said it was “vital” to locate the bottlenose dolphin “as soon as possible”.

The positioning of the net may be limiting the dolphin’s movement and ability to dive.

Prior said locating the animal is the “first crucial step”.

“The safety of both the animal and people responding to its distress is our top priority.

“Entangled marine mammals face significant risks, and careful planning is needed to ensure the best outcome.”

DoC’s specialist marine mammal disentanglement team is assembling and preparing to intervene.

“Entanglements like this happen one to two times a year around New Zealand,” Prior said.

The entangled dolphin has been seen swimming with an adult dolphin, so “careful planning is required to ensure a safe outcome for both animals”, the DoC statement said.

Fishing gear and marine debris are a growing threat to marine life.

“DoC urges fishers and boaties to minimise floating slack lines when setting fishing gear and to dispose of waste and old gear responsibly to prevent marine debris,” the DoC statement said.

DoC has a specialist marine mammal disentanglement team trained to safely free entangled animals using internationally recognised best practices.

Anyone who spots the dolphins should call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 36 24 68) immediately with their location and behaviour. People should make sure they keep a safe distance away to monitor without causing distress.

- NZ Herald