Oregon’s coastal waters are home to at least 15 species of sharks, yet surprisingly little is known about their role in the local marine ecosystem. That could change thanks to a new initiative that brings shark conservation to an unexpected place: the back of your car. The Big Fish Lab at Oregon State University, the state’s only facility dedicated to shark research, is spearheading an effort to fund shark science through a specialty license plate. Designed by OSU marine biology student Natalie Donato, the plate features a striking image of a salmon shark in the center, flanked by a blue shark and a common thresher. More than just a cool design to sandwich your car, the plate is a direct way for Oregonians to contribute to shark research, public education, and conservation outreach.
Assistant Professor Dr. Taylor Chapple, founder of the Big Fish Lab, hopes the initiative will help shift public perception of sharks from fear to fascination. “Funding shark research is hard. Sharks are not delicious or cuddly but they’re critically important,” said Chapple. “Our mission in the Big Fish Lab is to better understand the importance of sharks and to share their story broadly. This license plate will help us do that. Our hope is that with every plate, we get closer to appreciating that sharks aren’t the mindless killers of Hollywood, but dynamic and important actors in our vibrant oceans.”
While salmon sharks, blue sharks, and thresher sharks are some of the more recognizable species in Oregon’s waters, the state is also home to lesser-known sharks like the broadnose sevengill and the Pacific sleeper shark. Many of these species remain a mystery, with limited data on their population trends, migration patterns, and ecological impact. “The 15 species of sharks off our shores help keep Oregon’s coastal ecosystems and the economies dependent on them vibrant and productive, from the crab in your pot to the salmon on your grill. Oregon’s ocean abundance is largely thanks to our sharks,” he said. “The public’s support helps us better understand these critical predators and insure the continued vibrant oceans that define Oregon.”
For Oregonians who want to help but don’t necessarily see themselves as marine conservationists, the license plate offers a simple way to contribute. Every car on the road with the shark plate becomes a rolling billboard for shark awareness, sparking conversations and reinforcing the idea that these animals are vital to ocean health. While it may seem like a small gesture, the cumulative impact of thousands of plates could make a significant difference in how shark research is funded and perceived in Oregon.
But first, the plates need to become a reality. The Big Fish Lab must sell 3,000 vouchers before the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles will begin manufacturing the plates. The vouchers cost $40, with about $35 going directly to the lab; that funding will help expand training opportunities for students, improve outreach efforts, and support field research on Oregon’s sharks. Compared to traditional funding sources, which often come with long approval processes and limited flexibility, the revenue from the license plate could provide a more consistent and accessible stream of financial support.
If the Big Fish Lab meets the pre-order goal, Oregon will join other states that have successfully used license plates to support wildlife conservation. Florida, for example, has raised millions of dollars for sea turtle research through its specialty plate program, and California’s whale tail plate has supported coastal conservation initiatives for years. Shark research often struggles to attract funding compared to more charismatic marine animals like whales or sea otters, but this initiative could help level the playing field. By turning something as routine as a license plate into a tool for science, the Big Fish Lab is giving Oregonians a new way to support ocean conservation, one car at a time.
