Captured ‘Mega Momma’ nice white shark may reveal predator’s secrets and techniques
A colossal great white shark recently caught in Australian waters could help researchers discover more about the apex predator.
The shark was recently caught on a drum line, an unmanned baited underwater trap attached to buoys and anchors, off the coast of Queensland near Tannum Sands. At 5.6 metres long (18.4foot), the shark only slightly smaller than the largest great white ever caught, and the largest great white caught in the Queensland Shark Contrail Program since it launched on 1962.
The beast was found dead by Queensland Shark Control Program officers on August 10. It was later discovered she was pregnant with four pups at the time, Live Science reports.
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(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
White sharks reach sexual maturity aged between 20-30 years-old and carry up to 17 pups every two or three years. Scientists had estimated the mama shark was born in the late 90s. Although authorities should be alerted when a shark is snared in a drum line, the team were too late to save the mamma shark.
Bob Hueter, shark expert and chief scientist at OCEARCH told Live Science that it was “a shame to lose a big, reproductive animal like that”.
He added: “Normally, the workers are able to get out to the caught shark within a half-hour or so to tag and release the animal.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Hueter went on to say that the death of a breeding female can have a significant impact on the local shark population. He said: “Losing this very large, pregnant female along with her four pups is a setback for the [population’s] genetic diversity and rebuilding capacity.”
However, boffins are holding out hope the colossal beast could help researchers learn more about great whites.
It is “exceedingly rare” to be able to study pregnant white sharks, Hueter said, adding: “This particular shark could be very valuable for white shark science.
“We’re not even sure how long gestation takes in this species, and how often the females get pregnant, so examination of this ‘mega momma’ could help fill in some critical gaps in our knowledge.”
Tracey Scott-Holland, a spokesperson for Queensland Shark Control Programme confirmed the shark was being used for research.
She said: “Samples were taken for research purposes, and we are collaborating with researchers from New South Wales and South Australia on several projects.”
Researchers will study the shark’s body to find out more about the species’ biology, genetic and populations. The biggest great white shark captured with a reliable measurement was snagged off the Massachusetts coast, measuring six metres (19.9ft)
