Grey Nurse Shark rescue
Grey Nurse Shark rescued in Coffs Marina
At 11am on Sunday the 25th August, Dolphin Marine Rescue was contacted by Mr Stephen Soule from the National Marine Science Centre regarding
a Grey Nurse Shark who was not looking well in the Coffs Harbour Marina.
DMR attended and assessed the animal, which was upside down and not moving.
After contacting Department of Primary Industries, DMR then proceeded to rescue.
DMR staff and Mr Soule snorkelled to the animal, placed a tail rope and then swam it to a pier for assessment.
Fishing line was coming from mouth and two external wounds were observed.
Animal suspected to be suffering from metabolic acidosis secondary to intense fight following line catch.
Animal transported back to Dolphin Marine Conservation Park for treatment which included intravenous fluids and aerated water passing over the gills,
the fishing hook was successfully removed, and wounds sutured.
Animal appeared to improve temporarily but unfortunately died over night.
Post mortem revealed the animal was in good condition and had been feeding recently.
Samples collected and sent away for analysis will confirm cause of death.
Pic. Dr Duan Marsh & Kieran Marshall
