A 27-year-old Oregon man faces multiple charges for allegedly catching and filming himself wrestling protected shark species in Washington state's Puget Sound. Connor Seifert is accused of repeatedly targeting bluntnose sixgill and broadnose sevengill sharks, species protected under state law.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reported receiving at least 14 complaints regarding Seifert's activities before his arrest. Investigators initiated a months-long investigation, monitoring his actions both online and in person, culminating in a sting operation.
Authorities stated that fishing for these sharks in Puget Sound is illegal because the area is a critical habitat for the animals to give birth. The stress from being caught and brought ashore can reportedly cause the pups to die. "Once they exhaust themselves being fought to shore, then all of their babies die," a wildlife officer is heard saying in body camera footage released by the department.
Videos shared by Seifert on social media depict him interacting with the sharks after pulling them from the water. In one clip, he is seen prying open a shark's mouth while stepping on its back. Another shows him holding a shark by the tail out of the water as it struggles.
Seifert was arrested and charged with nine counts of unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree and one count of making a false statement to a public servant. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges in Pierce County District Court. Attempts to reach Seifert or his attorney for comment were unsuccessful.