Sharks on menu at golf club talk

Shark scientist Clinton Duffy will be the special guest speaker at an open evening at Mangawhai Golf Club on October 14, starting at 6pm.

Duffy has worked as a marine scientist, and marine and freshwater technical support officer, for the Department of Conservation since 1989, and is also Auckland Museum’s marine biology curator.

He co-led the national great white shark research programme, a collaboration between NIWA, DOC and the University of Auckland. Using tagging (acoustic, popup, dorsal fin) and photo-identification, researchers studied the sharks’ movements, habitats and population size.

Duffy’s work spans shark classification and conservation, as well as the study of species such as mako and blue sharks, and oceanic manta rays.

His talk will include stories from his many years in the field, as well as highlighting the scientific value of stranded sharks and rays. He is currently building a jaw collection for the Auckland Museum and welcomes reports from anyone who finds specimens along the coast.

Entry by donation to Mangawhai Museum.

Info: Margaret Fish on 021 683 010 or nzkermit@gmail.com