South Puget Sound, Washington — A Washington state fisherman is facing multiple criminal charges after wildlife officials accused him of repeatedly pulling protected sharks from the water and filming himself “wrestling” them for social media. Authorities say the investigation began after concerned members of the public reported videos showing the alleged mistreatment of sharks that are considered important to the state’s conservation efforts.
Wildlife Investigation Began After Public Complaints
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said it launched an investigation in April after receiving 14 complaints about Connor Seifert, an Oregon resident accused of targeting protected shark species.
According to investigators, numerous people contacted wildlife officials after seeing videos and photos posted online.
Lt. Kit Rosenberger with the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Police said the complaints consistently described the same behavior.
Officials alleged that Seifert was targeting sharks, catching them, dragging them out of the water, mishandling them, and posing with them for social media content.
Videos Allegedly Showed Protected Shark Species
Investigators said they reviewed social media posts that allegedly showed Seifert catching sixgill and sevengill sharks, both of which are classified by Washington as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need.”
According to authorities, these species require careful handling and are protected because of conservation concerns. Officials allege that repeatedly removing the sharks from the water for photographs placed unnecessary stress on the animals.
The investigation lasted several months as officers gathered evidence tied to the reported incidents.
Arrest Made at South Puget Sound Pier
Wildlife officers arrested Seifert at a pier in South Puget Sound in June after they allegedly observed him pulling a sixgill shark out of the water to pose for a photograph.
Following the arrest, prosecutors charged him with nine counts of unlawful fishing, along with one gross misdemeanor for allegedly providing false information to officers during the investigation.
Seifert, who is from Saint Helens, Oregon, has pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment in Pierce County District Court. He is scheduled to return to court next month as the case moves forward.
Charges Could Bring Fines and Jail Time
Each of the nine unlawful fishing misdemeanor charges carries a possible penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and as many as 90 days in jail if convicted.
In addition, the gross misdemeanor alleging that Seifert lied to officers carries a potential penalty of up to a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Why Sixgill and Sevengill Sharks Matter
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says sixgill and sevengill sharks play an important role in the state’s marine ecosystem and are protected because of their conservation status.
According to the agency, sixgill sharks can grow up to 18 feet long, weigh as much as 1,300 pounds, and live for up to 80 years. Sevengill sharks are smaller but can still reach nearly 10 feet in length and weigh around 240 pounds.
Wildlife officials continue to remind anglers to follow regulations designed to protect vulnerable marine species and to report any suspected violations.
What do you think? Should penalties be tougher for people accused of harming protected wildlife for social media content? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
