Shark seen in inlet identified as a blue

A shark seen swimming around Andersons Bay Inlet has been identified by the Department of Conservation as a blue shark.

Doc Coastal Otago biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe confirmed the identity of the shark after consulting Doc shark expert Clinton Duffy, who said there had been sightings of the species in other New Zealand harbours this summer.

Mr Fyfe said Doc expected blue sharks to visit waters around Otago Peninsula at this time of year, particularly when schools of Jack mackerel are about.

However, it was the first time he had heard of one in Andersons Bay Inlet.

The shark was small for the species, which did not usually pose a threat to humans.

Bayfield High School caretaker Ken Duerden said it was ‘‘the first time I've seen one'' in the inlet. He believed the shark was between 1.5m and 2m.

vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz