Key Takeaways
- 23 rig sharks and a stingray were found dead in Porirua Harbour, with the sharks having their gills slit and the stingray having its barb removed
- The discovery was made by Greater Wellington Regional Council staff during routine sediment monitoring
- Conservation groups are calling the find "distressing" and "highly unusual"
- The incident is believed to be related to set netting, which is illegal in the inlet
- Fisheries New Zealand is investigating the incident and reminding set net fishers of the restrictions in the area
Introduction to the Incident
The discovery of 23 dead rig sharks and a stingray in Porirua Harbour has sent shockwaves through the conservation community. The sharks were found by Greater Wellington Regional Council staff during routine sediment monitoring in the Pāuatahanui Inlet. According to Porirua Harbour Trust chairperson Michael Player, the sharks appeared to have been dumped overnight, with their gills slit and the stingray having its barb removed. All of the animals were dead when discovered, and the find has been described as "distressing" and "highly unusual" by Greater Wellington environmental scientist Rachel Parry.
The Significance of the Pāuatahanui Inlet
The Pāuatahanui Inlet is a critical habitat for rig sharks, particularly during spring and summer. During this time, the inlet serves as a breeding ground and nursery for the species, playing a vital role in sustaining population numbers. Rig sharks are known to return to the same areas to give birth and mate, making the inlet a crucial location for their conservation. The discovery of the dead sharks is especially upsetting given the importance of the inlet to the species, and the fact that the sharks are rarely seen in the harbour. As Player noted, "I’ve lived here for 11 years, I walk it, paddleboard it, use it a lot. I’ve never seen a rig shark myself."
Investigation and Response
Fisheries New Zealand has been notified of the incident and is investigating the matter. District manager Aaron Mendoza confirmed that the agency had examined photographs of the animals and believed that they were likely caught in a recreational set net. The marks on the sharks and the cutting of the gills suggest that they were cut free from the net, which is illegal in the inlet. Set netting is also restricted along much of the west coast of the lower North Island, and Fisheries New Zealand is reminding set net fishers of the restrictions in the area. As Mendoza noted, "While it is legal to discard rig shark in limited circumstances, it’s unclear where the net was set."
Conservation Implications
The discovery of the dead rig sharks and stingray has significant implications for conservation efforts in the area. The incident highlights the need for greater protection and enforcement of fishing regulations in the inlet. As Parry noted, "Finding dead sharks in these numbers was distressing and highly unusual." The incident also underscores the importance of responsible and sustainable fishing practices, and the need for fishermen to respect and adhere to the restrictions in place. The Porirua Harbour Trust and other conservation groups are likely to continue to advocate for stronger protections for the species and the habitat, and to work with Fisheries New Zealand to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The discovery of the dead rig sharks and stingray in Porirua Harbour is a disturbing and highly unusual incident that has significant implications for conservation efforts in the area. The investigation and response by Fisheries New Zealand and other conservation groups will be crucial in determining the cause of the incident and preventing similar incidents in the future. As the conservation community continues to advocate for stronger protections for the species and the habitat, it is essential that fishermen and other stakeholders respect and adhere to the restrictions in place. By working together, it is possible to prevent similar incidents and protect the delicate ecosystem of the Pāuatahanui Inlet.
