UPDATE- Shark found in Alberni Inlet may have already given birth
The dead female Sixgill shark that was hauled out of the Alberni Inlet may have given birth before it died, a Fisheries and Oceans shark specialist said.
The shark was found by a Port Alberni log salvager at the Boy Scout Camp beach near Coulson’s mill last Thursday.
The shark was thoroughly examined by biologists from Nanaimo on Friday before being disposed of it at the local landfill.
Female sharks are suspected to venture to shallower waters — anything under 600 metres is considered shallow — to give birth.
This one likely died from truama or stress. “This one had no propeller, hook or gaffe wounds on it,” DFO research scientist Jackie King said.
Some of the 31 pups discovered in the shark’s two uteruses were kept for further study.
“We know very little about the pupping and birthing process,” King said.
“They (pups) are a source of missing knowledge for a shark that size so close to birthing.”
One of the shark’s uteruses was full with 26 pups in it, while the other was flaccid and contained only five.
“She either aborted or she gave birth already,” King said.
“If she gave birth then the chances are good that those juveniles survived.”
It’s not that unusual that a Sixgill was found in the inlet. “They’re more commonly seen around Bamfield though,” King said.
A pregnant female Sixgill shark last washed up onshore in Courtenay five years ago, she added.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com
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