'JAWS' shark found 'decapitated' on New Zealand beach

“HOOK US UP ANOTHER PINBALL!”

A shocking incident unfolded when a great white shark was discovered decapitated by a concerned beachgoer, leaving authorities in New Zealand perplexed. The grisly find occurred on March 15 at Mahia Beach, situated on the eastern coast of the North Island.

The local Department of Conservation (DOC) has reached out to the public for assistance in shedding light on the demise of the protected great white shark. Despite efforts, the whereabouts of the shark's head remain unknown.

Matt Tong, DOC Operations Manager for Tairawhiti, remarked, "The shark’s body was found at the boat ramp and promptly reported to DOC by a member of the public. It's believed the shark was caught on Friday morning and then transported to Mahia beach where it met its gruesome fate."

Under New Zealand's Wildlife Act 1953, it is unlawful to hunt, kill, or otherwise harm great white sharks. The act extends to prohibiting possession or trade of any part of these animals, along with safeguarding other species like basking sharks, oceanic whitetips, deepwater nurse sharks, and whale sharks.

Great white sharks (the species depicted in ‘JAWS’) are protected in New Zealand

Tong emphasized, "While accidental capture of a great white shark is not illegal, it must be released unharmed, and reporting all captures to DOC is mandatory."

Violation of regulations regarding protected marine wildlife in New Zealand carries severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to NZ$250,000 (£119,000), or both.

Given recent instances of marine mammal strandings in the vicinity, the DOC anticipates heightened shark presence in the waters around Mahia. Such strandings tend to attract sharks due to their attraction to the remains, as explained. Tong said: "If you spot a great white, exit the water quickly and calmly, and report the sighting to DOC."

Words by Ross Williams

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