Calls for public assistance over mutilated marine animals at Louth Bay

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is investigating the circumstances around a mutilated White Shark and seal carcass found near Port Lincoln.

PIRSA Fisheries Officers attended Louth Bay yesterday afternoon after receiving information and located a large White Shark, measuring 5 metres in length, with the jaws removed and the stomach split open.

A fur seal carcass was also located in the area and a small Southern Bluefin Tuna cut in half, which appeared to be used as bait to catch the shark.

The shark carcass had rope marks around its tail suggesting it’s been tied up and allowed to drown and then the jaws removed.

Officers also located a large chunk of flesh with rope tied around it which appears to be seal meat, which is also suspected to have been used as bait.

There is no evidence to link the shark’s death to the algal bloom.

Taking a protected species carries a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine or up to 4 years imprisonment under Section 72 of the Fisheries Management Act 2007.

Anyone with information about this serious offence is urged to contact the 24-hour FishWatch Hotline on 1800 065 522.