Man Cited For Having Shark

October 5, 2009

Release from: Democrat Herald

NEWPORT - Jason W. Robinson, 32, of Warren has been cited by the Oregon State Police & Wildlife Division for the unlawful possession of a great white shark.

According to the OSP, the 12-foot shark was caught on Aug. 8 and a sport tuna boat brought it to the Depoe Bay docks. A trooper working on routine patrol at the docks learned about the catch and contacted the boat's occupants.

The trooper saw what he believed to be a gutted great white shark. Boat occupants said they were bringing in a crab pot when the shark became entangled in their gear. Robinson told the trooper the shark had been gutted so it could be eaten.

An OSP investigation determined that Robinson did not make an attempt to contact authorities.

On Aug. 9, OSP Fish & Wildlife troopers took the shark to the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, where it was identified as a great white by the National Marine Fisheries Service and ODFW.

Robinson was cited to appear in Lincoln County Circuit Court this Thursday. The offense is a non-criminal fish and wildlife violation with a listed citation bail of $299.

"If our trooper wasn't at the right place at the right time then we believe he would have unlawfully kept the shark for his own personal interests," said OSP Captain Walt Markee.

Anyone who discovers a dead great white shark or a basking shark is asked to call the Oregon State Police toll free at 1 (800) 452-7888.