NEWS

Tangled In The Net: A Baby Shark Discovered at Wainibuka River

When Joseva Soro left his fishing net overnight on Saturday at the Wainibuka River, he didn’t think he would be in for a surprise. The 21-year-old had hoped to catch
04 Dec 2017 10:45
Tangled In The Net: A Baby Shark Discovered at Wainibuka River
Joseva Soro holding the baby shark caught from the Wainibuka River .

When Joseva Soro left his fishing net overnight on Saturday at the Wainibuka River, he didn’t think he would be in for a surprise.

The 21-year-old had hoped to catch a few freshwater fish for Sunday lunch, but instead a baby shark was caught in his net.

“I went in the morning to check my fishing net and I got a shock when I saw a shark,” he said.

“I ran back to the village and came back with my brother to check it out again.

“We caught the shark and brought it home and put it in a drum full of water so that other people can witness it.”

Mr Soro always heard stories of sharks present in the Wainibuka River, but never believed it until he witnessed it.

“Today, I finally believe that there are sharks present in the river and it is frightening to know that children go swimming in this river.

“It is the school holidays and a lot of children come to the village this time. Knowing that sharks are present is frightening.

“I advise people living along the Wainibuka River to monitor their children because I don’t want anyone to become a victim.”

Recent river shark sightings

Reports of shark sightings at Tailevu are not new. Earlier this year, word had spread in Lutu Village, Naitasiri, that sharks were spotted at the Wainatoa River mouth in Wainibuka.

Even in the Rewa River sharks have been spotted there.

In a Fiji Sun report on March 3, 2017, the Minister of Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau revealed that effects of climate change would have forced bull sharks – dangerous because of their volatile nature – to extend their stay at the river.

Mr Koroilavesau revealed that due to soil erosion water in the river would have become murky which prevented the sharks from going back into the sea.

Bull sharks are also found within the Rewa River, Sigatoka River, Navua River to name a few.

This is one of the few shark species that live both in salt water and freshwater. These sharks can travel far up rivers.

It is yet to be determined if the shark discovered yesterday was a baby bull shark.

But for now, Mr Soro plans to cook up a feast for the family with his new discovery.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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