Marine – Think before you toss

Fishers are being urged to think twice this summer before discarding fish frames and offcuts overboard in popular bays and anchorages. This often-unintentional act could attract unwanted sharks. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bronze whaler shark who would turn down a free feed of fish heads and frames.

But that could have serious consequences, potentially putting the kids swimming, or your mates, at risk of being mistaken for shark food.

Shark scientists and conservationists have worked hard to improve the perception of sharks through education and awareness. After all, sharks are important creatures in marine ecosystems. But we are in their environment and they are the apex predator.

It’s human nature to feel alarmed at the thought of sharks where we swim. Thankfully, most common shark species in New Zealand are unlikely to attack unless provoked or near a food source.

Bronze whalers are smart, and equipped with the ability to learn and retain information. In particular, they are learning that boats anchoring in sheltered bays often offer an easy meal. This learned behaviour is increasing the chances of shark encounters.

Simply swimming or diving is unlikely to cause an incident. But if a boat near you is discarding fish heads and frames, the risk of a shark mistaking you for a snack increases.

To keep everyone safe, we need to be cautious and mindful about our actions while on the water. This summer is the perfect time to change old habits.

Feed a family rather than feeding the sharks your fish heads and frames. Keep them on ice in the chilly bin and list them on the Free Fish Heads app within 48 hours.

Free Fish Heads is an extension of the Kai Ika Project, which in the last five years has distributed more than half a million kilograms of fish heads and frames to local communities instead of it being sent to landfill.

The Free Fish Heads app makes it easier than ever to share fish heads and other fish offcuts with those who value these delicious parts of the fish. Simply register for free, put a photo and description of your fish heads and frames, and then wait for a lucky person to accept your offer.

If you’re desperate to gut or gill your fish while the boat is anchored, keep the offcuts in a bucket and tip it overboard on your way home, away from the shore.

A successful and peaceful day out fishing shouldn’t be tainted by a preventable shark attack. By not throwing your fish overboard and using the Free Fish Heads app, you can help keep your loved ones safe and provide a tasty meal for a human, not a shark.

To download the app, go to https://kaiika.co.nz/freefishheads/