Some sharks lurking around New Zealand waters this summer are in more danger than the swimmers they scare, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) says.
The rig shark is a common sight in coastal waters, estuaries and inlets over spring and summer but is also a regular on
takeaway shop menus. "Rig is most often served as the fish in fish 'n' chips," said Niwa fisheries principal scientist Malcolm Francis. "So if there's a shark beside you in the sea, it's probably in more danger than you are.
"Rig are a social fish ... so you could find yourself surrounded by a group of friendly sharks, so friendly that if you put your hand in their mouth they don't bite back."
Dr Francis' comments follow a series of shark sightings around New Zealand.
Wellington maritime police yesterday cleared a popular bathing spot after a 2.5m hammerhead shark was spotted in the harbour.
