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Douglas McCauley and Chris Lowe Warn of Increased Shark Activity and Marine Diversity Off the California Coast

Marine experts are forecasting a 'sharky summer' off the California coast due to an intensifying El Niño and a persistent marine heat wave. Douglas McCauley, director of the Benioff Ocean Initiative at the University of California, Santa Barbara, noted that the warmer waters are bringing tropical species like sea snakes and mahi mahi to the region. Chris Lowe, a professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at Long Beach State University, highlighted that juvenile white sharks are arriving in large numbers, though he warned that stingray injuries may also increase as warmer water attracts more brown stingrays. Lowe also provided safety tips for beachgoers, suggesting that humans are not typically on a shark's menu and that swimmers should avoid murky water and shiny jewelry. Meanwhile, in the Northeast, the NYPD's Technical Assistance Response Unit is utilizing drones to monitor city beaches for sharks. This technology allows lifeguards to receive real-time aerial intelligence, helping to manage beach closures and ensure public safety as shark sightings increase along the coast.

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