An expert believes that a large shark spotted near a popular beach in Nelson was likely a great white. The shark was seen near Rabbit Island on Nelson’s coast over the weekend. Department of Conservation marine scientist, Clinton Duffy, identified the shark as a great white based on its behavior and shape in the video footage.
Duffy explained that sharks are currently migrating from the tropics to New Zealand and can be found in most parts of the country. Great whites, although rare, are often seen in the upper North Island throughout the year. However, as summer approaches, they will become more common in the south.
Duffy offered advice on what to do if encountering a shark in the water. He emphasized the importance of staying calm and leaving the water quickly and quietly. If scuba diving, he advised staying on the bottom and keeping an eye on the shark, only leaving the water once the shark has moved away.
White sharks typically investigate any new objects they encounter in their environment, often by swimming up to them and biting them to identify them. However, not all interactions with divers result in attacks. Duffy advised treating any shark over 1.8 meters long as potentially dangerous, but noted that most sharks are harmless. As summer approaches, he expects to see more bronze whalers and hammerheads close to the shore.
The Department of Conservation encourages anyone who spots a great white or other protected marine species to report it to their hotline, 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362 468).
