Home & Garden
Know Who Killed the Great White in this Viral Photo? Investigators Need Your Help
Authorities are trying to determine the circumstances of an illegal killing of a young great white shark decapitated in a viral picture.
A photo posted by OceanRamsey, Ocean Ramsey (@oceanicramsey) on May 7, 2016 at 5:58pm PDT
NEWPORT BEACH, CA - State wildlife officials are asking for help identifying the person responsible for the beheading of a juvenile great white shark seen in a viral photo this week.
Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A conservationist posted the picture on social media, alleging the picture was taken at the Newport Beach Pier.
However, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife quickly determined that the picture was not shot in Newport Beach because the pier in the photo is wooden whereas the piers in Newport are made of concrete. The nearest wooden pier is in Seal Beach.
Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"We know it's not Newport Pier or Balboa Pier," Newport Beach spokeswoman Tara Finnigan said in an emaiL. However, authorities haven't determined if the photo was taken on a private dock in Newport Beach.
But state officials are investigating the issue because it is illegal to kill great white sharks in California.
“We are in the beginning stages of any type of investigation,” California Department of Fish and Wildlife Lt. Chris Stoots told the Los Angeles Times. “We are in the 'how, when, where and what' stage.”
The photo went viral this week after conservationist Ocean Ramsey posted it to Instagram, writing, “Killing something just to kill it, especially a protected species with already low populations it's a tragedy for not only marine ecosystems but for the greater ocean reliant community.”
Outrage over the killing spread swiftly.
“Why does someone need to do this? they should have that done to them if they think it fine to do that to a helpless animal,” wrote Instagram user Oliver Erbacher.
“This is so depressing,” wrote Instagram user Yayamooma. “What can us the people of California do to stop this needless killing of our sharks. All sharks, not just great whites. We need them in our Eco system to keep our oceans balanced.”
Anyone with information about the crime can call state investigators at or call Cal-TIP toll-free: 1-888-334-2258, or you can report it online here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.