Another Great White dies in Tuna Cage
Submitted by SARFAC Wednesday, 5th February 2003

From: mccnsa@senet.com.au
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Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 11:23 AM
Subject: Another Great White dies in Tuna cage

Shark Examined
Reference : Pt. Lincoln Times
By By Stan Gorton
Tuesday, 4 February 2003

SPECIMENS and samples collected from a great white shark found in a tuna tow cage off Boston Island last week could lead to a greater understanding of the species.

Fisheries officers last Wednesday were called out to investigate a 3.8-metre shark that had apparently drowned in a tow cage.

The shark was collected and delivered to South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) scientist Kate Rodda based at the Lincoln Marine Science Centre.

Mrs Rodda said the shark was immediately dissected that night with vertebrae collected, meat and liver samples taken for DNA analysis and the reproductive tract examined.

"There was no evidence of any damage; it was pretty clean looking," she said.

The male shark had not yet reached sexual maturity, and was estimated to be about 15 years old, as great whites only reached maturity at about a length of four to five metres.

The age of the shark and more details should be known when the samples are tested in the laboratory.

The stomach content revealed not much other than a few fish vertebrae that would have come from the shark's last meal of snapper, tuna or some other large fish.

The jaws were sent to the SA Museum as required by law.

Fisheries services general manager Mark Lewis said Primary Industries and Resources SA had put in place a protocol for the reporting of any interaction between tuna cages and shark, whales or other marine mammals.

"All tuna farm operators are reminded that the protocol requires Fishwatch to be notified immediately of any interaction so the appropriate action can be taken," Mr Lewis said.

A large great white shark was also found in a tuna cage last October.