Researchers challenge fear of San Diego’s growing shark population
Published October 13, 2026
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Cal State Long Beach researchers spoke with Axios San Diego about why San Diego’s growing shark population should not alarm beachgoers. Psychology professor Gabriella Hancock and Shark Lab director Chris Lowe explained that fear of sharks is learned and often heightened by media coverage. They said positive encounters with sharks can help reduce fear, promote safer beach behavior and support shark conservation.
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