On an ordinary day meant for starfish fishing, two brothers off Teahupoo found themselves face-to-face with an unexpected catch: a massive 1.29-ton tiger shark. 🦈 This incident, which occurred near the world-renowned surfing destination next to Tahiti’s peninsula, made headlines across Tahiti.
The Surprise of a Lifetime
It was a routine Thursday for Didier and Gérard Parker as they embarked on a mission to collect starfish to help protect the coral reef. Starfish, known locally as Taramea, pose a threat to coral as they feed on coral polyps. The duo’s goal was simple: gather as many starfish as possible to aid environmental conservation efforts.
The day, however, took a dramatic turn when they discovered they had inadvertently trapped a tiger shark in their fishing net. Joined by Mannix, president of the Teahupoo Fishermen’s Cooperative, the brothers had initially thought they had caught a swordfish. But as they pulled the net closer, their assumption quickly changed.
The Catch
As they delved deeper into the ocean, the assumed swordfish revealed its true identity—a tiger shark, which is the second-largest predatory shark. The shark, already lifeless from being entangled in the net, was estimated to weigh a staggering 1.29 tons and measured approximately four meters (13 feet) in length.
| Shark Species | Average Length | Average Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger Shark | 3.25-4.25 meters | 385-909 kilograms |
The brothers’ unexpected encounter not only highlights their rare luck but also raises concerns for surfers worldwide, including championship contenders who surf off Teahupoo’s coral passes.
Ensuring Safety
Gérard Parker, reflecting on the incident, emphasized his experiences of frequently encountering such sharks. « Usually, tiger sharks attack our catches, especially tuna, and never an empty fish hook like this time, » Parker explained. He speculated that hunger might have driven the shark’s unusual behavior or that their population may have increased due to fishing bans on tiger sharks.
Scientific Insight
The shark captured by the Parker brothers was not only a once-in-a-lifetime experience but also an opportunity for scientific research. The specimen was handed over for examination to Ifremer, the French Institute of Marine Resources Research and Cultivation. Additionally, CRIOBE, the Island Research and Environment Observatory Center in Moorea, will also be involved in further studies of the tiger shark.
As the tale of the Parker brothers’ unexpected catch spreads, it serves as a reminder of the ocean’s mysteries and the delicate balance between man and marine life. 🌊
Source: Agence Tahitienne de Presse
