How many of us really stop and look along the swash zone of our beaches?
The swash zone being the turbulent layer of water that washes onto our shores.
Ian, a local Barwon Heads resident did just that and was lucky enough to have stumbled across an unusual find. A southern sawshark was found stranded along the lower section of the Barwon estuary, still alive and struggling.
With assistance from Ian and Barwon Coast staff the fish was quickly transferred to calmer waters of the estuary to maximise its chances of survival.
The southern sawshark (Pristiophorus nudipinnis) is a common endemic species of southern Australia, occurring on the continental shelf to depths of 110 metres, where high concentrations of the species are found in Bass Strait.
This fish swims close to the sea floor using sensory organs to detect its prey, then using its long serrated saw to slash its prey. Females give birth to live young that are born with folded teeth to prevent injury to the mother during birth.
“This was an amazing experience and encouraging being able to give this animal a second chance,” Maddie Glynn from Barwon Coast said.
“Nature truly is dynamic and teaches us so much. What an amazing place we live in, and this is a great example of how together we can make a difference.”
