Four locals, including RRC director Anders Gustafson, have been charged with stealing Jakolof Cove Farm oysters near Homer.
KBBI, Homer: The fourth and final person charged with stealing oysters from a farm on the south side of Kachemak Bay has been identified.
Alaska State Troopers have identified Homer resident Anders Gustafson as one of the four people charged with criminal trespass in the first degree and fourth degree theft. Gustafon is the executive director of the Renewable Resources Coalition, which is supported financially by Alaska millionaire Bob Gillam and has been a leading opponent to Pebble Mine. RRC helped lead the ballot initiative known as "Bristol Bay Forever" that was adopted at the polls last November.
The other three have been identified as Homer Deputy Harbor Master Matt Clarke, his wife Rebecca Clarke, and local resident Christine Kulcheski.
Troopers received a call from an oyster grower in Jakolof Cove on July 13. The grower had reportedly pulled up nets and found product missing. A review of recent security footage led to the identification of the four individuals, who were seen on the property on Fourth of July.
Troopers say they then contacted Kulcheski, Gustafson, and both Clarkes, who cooperated with the investigation.
The number of oysters and their monetary value have not been disclosed yet.