Disturbing Discovery: 23 Dead Sharks Found in Porirua Harbour
A shocking scene unfolded in Porirua Harbour as conservationists stumbled upon a gruesome sight: 23 dead sharks and a stingray. This grim discovery has raised concerns among environmental groups, who are calling it a deeply troubling and unprecedented event.
The sharks were discovered on Thursday by Greater Wellington Regional Council staff conducting routine sediment monitoring in the Pāuatahanui Inlet. The sight was so fresh that it suggested the dumping had taken place the previous night.
Michael Player, chairperson of the Porirua Harbour Trust, expressed his distress, noting the rarity of seeing rig sharks in the area. "I've lived here for 11 years, and I've never seen a rig shark myself," he said. "They're shy animals, so to see 23 of them slaughtered is quite distressing."
Rachel Parry, an environmental scientist, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the inlet as a critical habitat for rig sharks, especially during spring and summer. "Porirua Harbour is a precious breeding ground for rig sharks during spring and a high-value nursery in summer and autumn," she explained. "It plays a crucial role in sustaining population numbers."
Aaron Mendoza, district manager of Fisheries New Zealand, confirmed the species of sharks and their target for commercial fishing. "We can confirm the sharks are rig, which are targeted by commercial fishers and sometimes caught as bycatch by recreational fishers," he stated. The marks on the sharks and the cutting of their gills suggested they had been cut free from a recreational set net.
However, set netting is illegal in the inlet, and Fisheries New Zealand reminded fishers of the restrictions along the west coast of the lower North Island. "While it is legal to discard rig shark in limited circumstances, it's unclear where the net was set," Mendoza noted. The agency is investigating the incident, urging all set net fishers to adhere to the legal boundaries and avoid setting nets within four nautical miles of the coast from Hāwera to the Wellington Harbour entrance.
