Galapagos shark
Sharks! The very name sends tremors down some spines - unjustly so as these fascinating creatures and their close relatives skates and rays are for the most part quite harmless. New Zealand has its own distinctive shark and ray fauna, with species occupying habitats ranging from the shores, to the open ocean, to the depths of the continental slope.
Find out more about the different species of shark/mangō found in New Zealand waters.
The major threat to sharks in New Zealand waters is by-catch and directed take in commercial fisheries.
Learn about DOC's work with sharks/mangō.
Learn what you can do to protect sharks/mangō.
Great white shark leaflet (PDF, 145K)
Sharks/mangō in New Zealand waters factsheet (PDF, 179K)
Threatened species classifications
Research, collection and wildlife permits
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlife Whale or dolphin strandings
Contacts