SoCal Beaches Brace for Surge in Shark Activity

Experts warn warming waters could make Southern California a 'sharky summer' hotspot

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:22pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a vast, hazy ocean scene with a small shark fin cutting through the waves in the distance, conveying the sublime scale and power of the natural environment.As warm waters draw sharks closer to shore, the ocean's raw power and unpredictable nature serve as a reminder of our place in the natural world.Long Beach Today

As summer approaches, experts are warning that Southern California beaches could see a surge in shark activity due to unusually warm ocean temperatures. Recent shark encounters have already raised concerns, with drones spotting sharks near beachgoers on 97% of survey days. While actual shark attacks remain rare, researchers are closely monitoring local waters and urging vigilance to keep swimmers safe.

Why it matters

The potential for increased shark activity in popular SoCal beach areas could impact public safety and beach access during the busy summer season. Warmer waters and changing environmental conditions are drawing sharks closer to shore, raising concerns about the ability to keep beachgoers safe.

The details

Researchers at the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach say the water has been 'progressively warmer - unusually warm' which they believe may have brought female sharks back earlier to give birth. This, combined with a potential El Niño, could recreate conditions seen a decade ago when sharks moved closer to shore. Juvenile sharks, typically 5-6 feet long, prefer the shallow, sandy waters near the coast where they can feed on stingrays and smaller sharks.

  • In recent weeks, there have been several shark encounters reported along the SoCal coast, including a surfer who spotted a shark circling beneath her board in Newport Beach and a fisherman who hooked a young great white shark in Hermosa Beach.
  • Drone footage has shown sharks swimming near beachgoers on 97% of survey days in Southern California.

The players

Chris Lowe

Director of the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state agency that tracks shark attack data, reporting fewer than two attacks per year on average statewide.

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What they’re saying

“The water has been progressively warmer — unusually warm. We think that may have brought females back earlier to give birth. All those are signs it will be a sharky summer.”

— Chris Lowe, Director, Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach

“People and juvenile sharks appear to coexist. Humans aren't seen as prey.”

— Chris Lowe, Director, Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach

What’s next

Researchers say continued monitoring and funding will be key to keeping swimmers safe as Southern California braces for a potentially 'sharky summer' due to warming ocean temperatures.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing challenges coastal communities face in balancing public safety with environmental changes that are drawing sharks closer to popular beaches. Vigilance, research, and proactive measures will be essential to protect beachgoers while also respecting the role of sharks in the local ecosystem.