A remarkable discovery off the coast of Gladstone, Queensland, has revealed the largest great white shark ever caught in the region. Measuring an impressive 5.62 meters, this pregnant female was found dead on a shark-catching drumline in August, with four pups inside her.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries has been collaborating with researchers to study the shark, which is significantly larger than the average female. This incident highlights changing environmental conditions, as increasing numbers of sharks are being caught in Queensland's waters—1,206 reported so far in 2024, surpassing last year's total of 958.
While the state's shark control program, operational since 1962, aims to mitigate shark bites, the practice of euthanizing caught sharks has drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates. The discovery of this giant shark underscores the need for non-lethal shark management strategies. New technologies, such as drumlines sending digital alerts, may help prevent future tragedies like this, allowing for timely tagging and release of such magnificent creatures.