Oregon Man Faces Charges After Dragging Protected Sixgill Sharks from Puget Sound for Trophy Photos and Videos

An Oregon man has been charged with nine counts of unlawfully fishing for protected sixgill and sevengill sharks in Puget Sound, following a months-long investigation by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police. Connor Seifert, 27, allegedly posted photos and videos on social media showing him catching and handling the sharks for trophy photos. Fishing for these protected species is illegal in Washington waters because Puget Sound serves as a nursery for young sharks during a critical phase of their lives.