A wildlife videographer has recorded an unusual and extremely rare marine sighting in Shark Bay, Western Australia, after a drone picked up a wedgefish moving through shallow coastal water. The animal was seen only about 200 metres from shore, making the encounter even more striking.
The wedgefish, known for its unusual body shape, is considered critically endangered. According to the report, it was not alone: the animal appeared to be leading a group of fish as it swam through the bay. That combination of rarity, clear aerial visibility and proximity to land made the footage especially notable.
The sighting was captured by videographer Jake Mason, who said the animal’s appearance was so unfamiliar at first that it was difficult to immediately identify. Drone technology is increasingly helping wildlife observers document marine species from above, particularly in areas where water clarity allows animals to be seen without disturbance.
Finds like this highlight both the diversity of life in Western Australia’s coastal waters and the value of unexpected wildlife records. For a species facing severe conservation pressure, any well-documented observation can help draw attention to its presence and the need to better understand and protect it.
