A Regional Council team conducting the annual monitoring of sediment plates in the Inlet came across a total of 23 dead rig with slit gills and a stingray with its barb removed. Reports were made to MPI poaching and fisheries teams. While there was no evidence of who was responsible* or how the sharks and stingray were caught, everyone needs to know set netting is banned in the inlet and around the coast. The Porirua Harbour is a precious breeding ground and nursery for rig shark and therefore plays a very important role in sustaining the population of the species. Adult rig, or lemon fish, are a significant source of fish used in “fish and chips”. Further information on rig can be found on the Guardians website page https://gopi.org.nz/rig-shark/

Update: In response to community observation and reporting local police spoke to individuals who acknowledged they were wrong to kill the rig sharks and “the matter is resolved”