Great white shark caught off Oregon coast

A 12-foot shark brought into Depoe Bay, Ore., by some recreational fishermen has been confirmed as a great white.

According to a report on CBS affiliate KPIC-TV, the anglers told the State Police Fish and Wildlife Division officer at the dock that the shark had become entangled in their crab gear and was brought to the surface when they pulled in the pots. It is unclear if the great white was alive or dead when it reached the surface.

The carcass of the already gutted shark was confiscated by the officer and released to the Hatfield Marine Science Center at Oregon State University, where Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists identified it as being a great white.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Under both federal and state laws, taking or possessing a great white shark is illegal.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: A 12-foot great white shark is displayed near Depoe Bay, Ore. Credit: Associated Press

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Comments

[jim sharit]

There would have been no on going investigation here in Florida the guys would have lost their license to fish and would have been fined to the gills pardon the pun.The whole story is "fishy" IMHO. If a land-based fisherman would have caught this animal it would have been a much worse case for them. Sharks are everywhere not just miles offshore they run along the beaches here in florida and I guess they get pretty close in Oregon too.

[Anna Jelks]

thats crazy

[Jose]

thats freaking sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JB]

I suppose it's better to see humans hanging?

[rob]

i freaking hate seeing these sharks hanging dead.

[Jess]

Story seems a lil fishy(no pun intended, I swear). They claim the great white got entagled in their crab pots, which in itself is a bit odd, but the fact that they gutted the shark is what is really makes me wonder. Destroying evidence? Not sure why else they would do that.. Especially considering great whites are federally protected and intentionally catching one isn't just a slap on the wrist.