The number of great white shark sightings along the Southern California coast has increased this summer, prompting concerns among beachgoers. However, veteran shark tracker Keith Poe, with over 33 years of experience, stated that the surge is a result of natural environmental factors and the sharks' feeding habits, not an indication of increased danger to humans.
Poe explained that the presence of sharks near shorelines is primarily driven by two factors: water temperature and food availability. Juvenile great whites, typically less than 10 feet long, tend to move north from Mexico into shallow, sandy bays along the Southern California coast when winter waters cool below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Currently, warmer waters and El Niño conditions are contributing to their presence closer to shore.
These young sharks are hunting for prey on the ocean floor, such as halibut, skates, and rays, which are easily accessible in these areas. "These are fish-eating juveniles," Poe emphasized. "They could care less about people. There is no danger. They're there for only one reason: food."
While juvenile great whites are not considered a threat to swimmers, Poe cautioned that beachgoers should be aware of their surroundings. He advised against entering the water if seals or sea lions are present, or if birds are actively diving, as these are indicators of a feeding frenzy that could attract larger predators. Areas farther north, such as Point Conception, San Miguel Island, and San Simeon, are more likely to be frequented by larger, mature great white sharks that prey on marine mammals.
The increase in the overall great white population off California is attributed to decades of conservation efforts and the reduction of commercial gill nets, which historically caused significant shark bycatch. Poe noted that protections put in place decades ago are now allowing sharks born during that period to reach maturity. Female great whites take approximately 30 years to mature, meaning sharks protected for decades are only now entering adulthood.
Poe dismissed the notion that the increased sightings signify a heightened risk of shark attacks, characterizing such fears as "laughable." Incidents involving sharks biting people in California are rare and are often attributed to exploratory bites as sharks investigate unfamiliar objects or mistaken identity, rather than predatory intent, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.