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The death of female juvenile great white shark at Omaha is being investigated by the Department of Conservation (DOC) after a necropsy revealed it was probably killed by a net.
The 2.35 metre shark washed up on Omaha Beach on Thursday November 25 with visible wounds. A necropsy found that it was otherwise healthy with a “a belly full of snapper”.
Great whites are protected under the Wildlife Act. Failing to report the accidental killing of one is an offence with a maximum penalty of $10,000.
Set netting is also banned at Omaha between Labour Day and Easter Weekend in an area that extends 200 metres offshore.
DOC is appealing to the public for any information on the shark’s death. Anyone with information should call 0800 362 468 or email wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz.
DOC declined to comment on how common infringement notices for shark deaths are or if there has ever been a successful conviction.
The discovery of the shark intrigued residents, who came to take a look at the fearsome creature and its rows of teeth.
Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust chair Mook Hohneck put up a cordon around the shark’s body to prevent it from being interfered with. He said all shark species are considered taonga to his people.
“Sharks are considered a kaitiaki (guardian) and are a mauri (life force) species, playing an important role in the ecosystem.”
Ngāti Manuhiri named the shark Mangatawhiri, which is the traditional name for Omaha beach. Mr Hohneck said it would be buried at an undisclosed urupa on the coast.
Many on social media reacted to the shark’s presence in Omaha by saying they would avoid getting into the water there – fearing for their safety.
But researchers say sharks are unlikely to be a threat to people.
Previously, Leigh marine researcher Craig Radford said that an unprovoked shark was unlikely to be a threat to anyone, unless they were handling freshly caught fish.
“Sharks are more visible in summer, but they are always there. It isn’t a reason to panic,” he said.
