Concerns raised after 2.5m tiger shark found floating dead near Princess Royal Sailing Club in Albany

A dead tiger shark found floating near Princess Royal Sailing Club on Saturday morning has prompted a reminder from fisheries officers about fishing behaviour.

The estimated 2.5m shark was seen floating in the water near the PRSC marina and was brought to shore by concerned members of the public.

The shark was left lying on the shoreline until it was disposed of by the City of Albany later that afternoon.

A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson said despite there being no obvious cause of death, fishers needed to take more care.

“When DPIRD fisheries officers in Albany were advised of the dead tiger shark at 12.30pm last Saturday, it was some hours after it had been taken out of the water,” the spokesperson said.

“Our examination did not show any obvious sign of a fishing line and hook or an obvious cause of death.

“While there is no evidence that a fishing offence has occurred, this is not responsible fishing behaviour.

“DPIRD encourages fishers to carefully release all unwanted fish immediately to the water unharmed and all retained fish should be dispatched in a considerate manner.

“We also encourage all fishers to be considerate of other beach and water users.”

Former Albany resident Erika Delemarre, who has a degree in marine, biodiversity and conservation, was concerned by the death of the shark.

“This is my first visit back to WA since moving to the US and seeing something like that in Albany is heartbreaking,” Ms Delemarre said.

“I’ve built a career in this field so I understand the support and education needed around the fishing of sharks.

“It was found floating in the harbour and it looks like it was a very recent kill.

“Its jaw is clearly broken and there are rope marks on its tail, maybe from where it was strung up to perhaps take photos.

“Clearly someone has fished it and ditched it back in the water but the shark was dead when they got it out of the water.”