A decapitated dolphin has been found on a Coromandel beach, the Department of Conservation says.

DOC staff are appealing to the public for information about what happened to the marine mammal.

DOC principal investigation officer Hayden Loper said its 0800 DOC HOT line received two calls about the animal remains found on the beach at Pauanui on Monday.

A DOC media release today said although the animal had begun to decompose, their initial assessment suggested its head had been removed with a tool or implement.

It’s thought the decapitation occurred before the animal washed up on the beach.

DOC’s marine scientists believed the animal could be a bottlenose dolphin – a species fully protected under the Marine Mammals Act 1978.

It is an offence to take or possess any part of a marine mammal without a permit from DOC.

A sample has been sent for genetic testing to confirm the species.

“We are asking anyone who saw what happened to this dolphin to come forward,” Loper said.

“Pauanui is a small but busy settlement with a popular beach, so we’re hopeful someone can provide us with information which may lead us to whoever is responsible.”

Loper said DOC staff were interested in information such as descriptions of people or vehicles/vessels, as well as times and locations of any behaviour potentially connected to the decapitation of the animal.

Anyone with information on the dolphin was urged to call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), or email [email protected], and quote CLE-12503.