Cache of Great White meat, and liver, seized one month after decapitated head of Great White shark, covered in stab wounds, found on popular New Zealand beach!

Orcas cleared of killing etc.

A few weeks back, the head, pec fins and innards of a juvie White were found on Pilot Bay Beach near the base of Mount Maunganui in the country’s North Island, the presumption being the fish had been killed for its meat. 

Now, a cache of Great White shark steaks, and liver, has been seized by the Department of Conservation with the man living at the address assisting, as they say, DOC investigators with their enquires. 

When the detritus of the killing was found there was speculation that the fish might’ve been hit by Orcas, whose lust for White livers is legendary.

That theory was hosed down by the photographer Dick Marquand.

“A clean cut just behind the gills is a fair indication that it wasn’t orca. Though that is open to interpretation of course… It was a clean cut to remove head but left pectoral fins and innards – bags still intact. Teeth and jaw intact. Stab wounds (approx 12) on head. Underside fins had been ‘filleted’ off and were found nearby.”

Great White meat ain’t on many menus.

In NZ, you get caught processing a White and you’ll be hit with prison, up to two years, and a fine of 250k, NZ, around 180k US. 

Still, diners who’ve enjoyed White flesh say it’s not unlike alligator, although it must be soaked well before eating ‘cause sharks piss through their skin. A better meat, if you like shark, is Mako, which is like a less oily swordfish. Marinate for twenty-four hours in a bowl filled with a mixture of chopped garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce and ginger.

Mercury isn’t too much of a concern unless y’eat it every day.