A Philomath shark researcher is behind a proposed Oregon license plate that could give drivers a new way to support science while displaying some of the predators living just off the state’s coastline.
Think of it as Shark Week for your car, except it lasts all year (as long as you renew your registration).
The “Vibrant Ocean” plate was conceived by Philomath resident Taylor Chapple, an Oregon State University researcher and founder of the Chapple Big Fish Lab. It features a salmon shark, two blue sharks, and a common thresher shark… not to be confused with “thrasher” sharks found at Eric Scott McKinley Skate Park.
The plate was designed by Natalie Donato, then an undergraduate marine biology and ecology student at Oregon State. Donato was conducting research in Chapple’s lab when he noticed her scientific artwork and asked whether she would design the plate.
Before the plate can begin circling Oregon roads, its supporters must sell 3,000 presale vouchers.
As of August 6, 1,684 vouchers had been sold, leaving another 1,316 to be sold before the Oregon DMV will begin producing the plates.
Chapple developed the idea as a way to raise money for shark research while encouraging Oregonians to think differently about the animals.
“Funding shark research is hard. Sharks are not delicious or cuddly, but they’re critically important,” Chapple said when the plate was announced. “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.”
Oregon’s waters are home to at least 15 shark species. Chapple’s research focuses on their movements, behavior, populations and importance to coastal ecosystems and economies.
Presale vouchers cost $40, with approximately $35 from each purchase going to the Big Fish Lab. The money will support shark research, fieldwork, community education, public outreach and training opportunities for students and future marine scientists.
The lab was established in 2019 as Oregon’s first research program dedicated specifically to sharks.
Vouchers can be purchased through the Vibrant Ocean license plate webpage. Once the 3,000-voucher threshold is reached and the plates are produced, buyers will receive instructions on how to redeem their vouchers through the DMV.
Oregon DMV currently issues 15 general passenger-plate backgrounds, including the standard tree plate and 14 alternative designs. Those alternatives include Crater Lake, Cultural Trust, Golf Oregon, Gray Whale, OSU Beaver, Oregon Zoo, Pacific Wonderland, Pollinator Paradise, Salmon, Smokey Bear, Portland Trail Blazers, UO Duck, Watch for Wildlife and Wine Country.
Personally, we think a bobcat plate should be next, there were a few sightings in town posted online last week. Until that day, cats will have to continue supporting Oregon causes in their traditional way: sitting on the registration paperwork.
This article was written by Jackson Hayes, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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