Shark Lab predicts sharkier California summer as El Niño warms waters

Published July 21, 2026
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Shark Lab Beach Safety Team
CSULB Shark Lab Safety Team

Chris Lowe, professor and director of Cal State Long Beach's Shark Lab, spoke with The Guardian about how El Niño is driving juvenile great white sharks north from Mexico into California's coastal waters earlier than usual. Although there are increased sightings, he emphasized that shark attacks remain rare because the animals generally do not view humans as prey.

 

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Professor Chris Lowe
Chris Lowe