The Conservation Report

A grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) was discovered with a gaff lodged in its throat. The grey nurse shark or sand tiger shark of Australia is very sensitive to overfishing because this “large coastal species of shark has one of the lowest reproductive rates known among elasmobranchs, giving birth to one or two large young every two years [so]…annual rates of population increase and ability to sustain fishing pressure are very low.” As a result, the grey nurse shark is considered endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and saving every individual – especially a large female – is important for species conservation. The significance of every individual is highlighted by what may be seen by some, as extreme measures taken by government divers and a veterinarian.

Veterinarian David Blyde put his hand down the shark’s throat to remove the gaff, and noted, “as a veterinarian you [are] often putting your hands in places that people find somewhat unattractive.” The gaff was successfully removed, and the animal was released. From the Herald Sun:

Scientists are unsure how the gaff came to be embedded in the 2.97m-long shark but said it was in good health and there was no bleeding when the pipe was removed.

“She was pale, which you’d expect, but once released swam back to the other sharks,” Mr Macdonald said.

A satellite tag has been attached to it so its recovery can be monitored by scientists and local divers. Marine Parks staff also volunteered to look out for her.

The grey nurse shark population is under threat, with less than 500 left in NSW waters.

See more Shark Week on The Conservation Report

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See more Shark Week on The Conservation Report